| Object Data |
| Description |
NGC6520 is a small cluster that would not "stand out" if
not for its spectacular neighbour, dark nebula Barnard 86 also known as the
Ink Spot Nebula. When observed visually, this dense cloud of dust looks
like a "hole" in a velvety background of unresolved faint stars. |
| Constellation |
Sagittarius the Archer |
| Right Ascension |
18h 3m 40s |
| Declination |
-27° 53' 59" |
| Magnitude |
7.6 |
| Angular size |
6 arcminutes |
| Distance |
1,650 parsecs (5,350 light years) |
| Radial Velocity |
-26 kilometers per second (approaching) |
| Image Data |
| Photographer |
Fred Lehman |
| Main Scope |
Meade 14" LX200GPS |
| Imaging Scope |
Celestron 5" SCT @ f/3.3 (415mm) |
| Guide Camera |
Not needed |
| Imaging Camera |
Starlight Xpress MX7C |
| Resolution |
780 x 580 @ 4.1 arcseconds per pixel |
| Exposure |
Four exposures of one minute each. Aligned,
stacked, and processed with AstroArt. |
| Date |
April 17, 2004 |
| Location |
Area 51 in Big Cypress National Preserve in central
South Florida. |
