NGC 6712

NGC 6712
NGC 6712, by HST
Observation data (J2000 epoch)
Class	IX:
Constellation	Scutum
Right ascension	18h 53m 04.32s
Declination	–08° 42′ 21.5″
Distance	22.5 kly (6.9 kpc)
Apparent magnitude (V)	+8.69
Apparent dimensions (V)	7.2'
Physical characteristics
Mass	7004940000000000000♠9.4×104 M☉
Metallicity	${\displaystyle {\begin{smallmatrix}\left[{\ce {Fe}}/{\ce {H}}\right]\end{smallmatrix}}}$ = –0.94dex
Estimated age	10.4 Gyr
Other designations	GCl 103, GC 4441
See also: Globular cluster, List of globular clusters

NGC 6712 is a globular cluster that was probably discovered by Le Gentil on July 9, 1749 when investigating the Milky Way star cloud in Aquila. He described it as a "true nebula," in contrast to the open star cluster M11. Independently discovered by William Herschel on June 16, 1784 and cataloged as H I.47; he also first classified it as a round nebula. John Herschel was the first to describe it as a globular star cluster during his observations in the 1830s.

Coordinates: 18^h 53^m 04.32^s, −08° 42′ 21.5″