In the constellation Lyra
can be found a small, dim globular cluster known as M56. This
cluster lacks the bright core that is visible in many other
globulars. It is believed to have a diameter of only 60
light-years, and is located about 45,000 light-years from Earth.
It is actually approaching us at a speed of about 145 km/sec.
Due to its small size and magnitude of only 8.3, M56 is not a
great object for the binocular astronomer. Telescopes larger
than 10 inches can resolve the cluster quite nicely.
