Messier 2

Hubble's image of Messier 2 is comprised of visible and infrared wavelengths of light.

Distance

37,000 light-years

Apparent Magnitude

6.3

constellation

Aquarius

object type

Globular Cluster

Hubble mosaic of M2
This Hubble image of Messier 2’s core was created using observations taken at visible and infrared wavelengths. M2 contains over 150,000 stars.
NASA, ESA, STScI and A. Sarajedini (University of Florida)

The first globular cluster to be added to the Messier catalog, M2 is located roughly 37,000 light-years from Earth in the constellation Aquarius. A globular cluster is a spherical group of stars that are bound together by their mutual gravitational attraction. M2 has a diameter of over 150 light-years and is one of the largest clusters of its kind. It was discovered in 1746 by the French astronomer Jean-Dominique Maraldi while he was observing a comet.

Most of the cluster’s mass is concentrated at its center, with shimmering streams of stars extending outward into space. It has an apparent magnitude of 6.3 and can be seen with the naked eye in ideal viewing conditions. The best time to observe M2 is during the month of October. Large telescopes will resolve the cluster’s individual stars.

For more information about Hubble's observations of M2, see:

locator star chart for M2
This star chart for M2 represents the view from mid-northern latitudes for the given month and time.
Image courtesy of Stellarium
locator star chart for M2
This star chart for M2 represents the view from mid-southern latitudes for the given month and time.
Image courtesy of Stellarium

Explore Hubble's Messier Catalog

The following pages contain some of Hubble’s best images of Messier objects.

Bright green, orange, and yellow tendrils intertwined within this egg shaped nebula.

Messier 1 (The Crab Nebula)

Better known as the Crab Nebula, Charles Messier originally mistook Messier 1 for Halley’s Comet, which inspired him to create…

Hubble view of M3 - a ball of thousands of stars.

Messier 3

Messier 3 holds more than 500,000 stars.

More Things Hubble

  • nearly spherical gathering of white stars at center top. Blue gas cloud extends from top left to center bottom

    Hubble Science Highlights

    Hubble’s most notable scientific discoveries reflect the broad range of research and the breakthroughs it has achieved.

  • Upper left: "Hubble Focus" opening of the telescope is the "O" Center: bright-white star, Center Bottom: Orange-red planet with cloud bands, Center: small, bright-white star and very small red-orange dwarf star

    Hubble E-books

    Investigate the mysteries of the universe with Hubble. Learn Hubble's history. E-books dive deeper into Hubble discoveries and more.

  • An astronaut stands in front of a background of a nebula against a deep field of galaxies. The words "Name That Nebula" hovers above.

    Hubble Online Activities

    Find your Hubble birthday image, take interactive tours, play games, and more.

  • c39-2b

    Caldwell Catalog

    Your backyard telescope and binoculars may not have the capabilities of Hubble, but you can still see amazing objects. Compare what you see with the images Hubble has taken.