NGC 6994 Asterism
Object

NGC 6994 Asterism

M 73 · Aquarius
These photons are ~2,000 years old
UV/IR
Date
2025-09-22
Location
36.3857° N, 28.0415° E
Integration
13m (79 × 10s)
Software
ZWO Seestar app
Notes
—
Plate solve
Centre RA
20h 58m 51.3s
Centre Dec
−13° 08′ 07″
Field
42.7′ × 76.0′
Pixel scale
2.37″/px
Orientation
171.1° E of N
TelescopeZWO Seestar S50
CameraZWO Seestar S50 Camera
RigFamily Holiday Rig
Captured from · Ελλάς
36.3857° N, 28.0415° E · open map ↗

Where to find it

Interactive sky chart centred on 20 58 51.3 -13 08 07, with constellation stick figures overlaid. Locate shows the whole constellation with the target ringed; Field zooms to the close-up. Drag to pan, scroll to zoom, click any star to identify it. Imagery: DSS colour survey via CDS Aladin Lite. Constellation figures © Dominic Ford (GPLv3).

A Y-shaped grouping of four faint stars that Messier mistook for a nebula. The stars are not physically related, making this one of the least rewarding Messier objects. Notable only as a curiosity and for completionists.

Frequently asked questions

Which constellation is M 73 in?
M 73 lies in the constellation Aquarius.
How far away is M 73?
The light in this image left M 73 roughly ~2,000 years ago, so that is how far back in time you are seeing it.
What are the coordinates of M 73?
M 73 sits at right ascension 20h 58m 51s and declination −13° 08′ 07″ (J2000).
When is the best time to photograph M 73?
M 73 rides highest in the evening sky around August, reaching about 23° above the horizon from around 54°N.
What equipment was used to photograph M 73?
This image of M 73 was captured with ZWO Seestar S50 and ZWO Seestar S50 Camera.
How much exposure time went into this image?
This image of M 73 represents 13m (79 × 10s) of total integration time.