Globular cluster M70

Messier 70
M70 from Hubble Space Telescope; 3.32′ view Credit: NASA/STScI/
Observation data (J2000 epoch)
Class	V
Constellation	Sagittarius
Right ascension	18h 43m 12.76s
Declination	–32° 17′ 31.6″
Distance	29.4 kly (9.0 kpc)
Apparent magnitude (V)	+9.06
Apparent dimensions (V)	8′.0
Physical characteristics
Mass	7005179000000000000♠1.79×105 M☉
Radius	34 ly
Metallicity	${\displaystyle {\begin{smallmatrix}\left[{\ce {Fe}}/{\ce {H}}\right]\end{smallmatrix}}}$ = –1.35dex
Estimated age	12.80 Gyr
Other designations	M70, NGC 6681, GCl 101
See also: Globular cluster, List of globular clusters

Messier 70 (also known as M70 or NGC 6681) is a globular cluster in the constellation Sagittarius. It was discovered by Charles Messier in 1780.

M70 is at a distance of about 29,300 light years away from Earth and close to the Galactic Center. It is roughly the same size and luminosity as its neighbour in space, M69. Only two variable stars are known within this cluster.

Picture obtained with the Wide Field Camera of Hubble’s Advanced Camera for Surveys. The field of view is around 3.3 by 3.3 arcminutes.

Map showing location of M70 (Roberto Mura)

Coordinates: 18^h 43^m 12.64^s, −32° 17′ 30.8″