In the constellation Aquarius lies a globular
cluster known as M72. This object is one of the more remote
globular clusters in the Messier catalog. It has a diameter of
about 90 light-years, and is located over 53,000 light-years
from Earth. Although its apparent magnitude is only 9.3, this
cluster's extreme distance means that it is one of the brightest
globulars yet discovered. Visually, it is a somewhat loose
cluster. M72 is approaching us at over 250 km/sec. This object
may be difficult to locate with binoculars but makes an easy
target with a telescope.
