Messier 7
| Messier 7 | |
|---|---|
| Observation data (J2000.0 epoch) | |
| Right ascension | 17h 53m 51.2s |
| Declination | −34° 47′ 34″ |
| Distance | 980 ± 33 ly (300 ± 10 pc) |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | 3.3 |
| Apparent dimensions (V) | 80.0′ |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Mass | 735 M☉ |
| Radius | 25 ly |
| Estimated age | 200 Myr |
| Other designations | Ptolemy Cluster, M7, NGC 6475, Cr 354 |
| Associations | |
| Constellation | Scorpius |
Messier 7 or M7, also designated NGC 6475 and sometimes known as Ptolemy's Cluster, is an open cluster of stars in the constellation of Scorpius. The cluster is easily detectable with the naked eye, close to the "stinger" of Scorpius. With a declination of −34.8°, it is the southernmost Messier object.