M7 Ptolemy's Cluster (NGC 6475)
Apparent Magnitude: 3.3
Distance: Aprox: 980 light-years
Constellation: Scorpius
Star Count: Aprox 80
Diameter: 80.2 light-years
Messier 7, also known as Ptolemy’s Cluster is more than twice the apparent size of the full Moon. Ptolemy’s Cluster is an easy naked-eye target. Messier 7 can be seen near the stinger of the celestial scorpion. The cluster is the southernmost Messier object in the sky, which makes it a challenging object for those in northern latitudes as Scorpius constellation never rises very high above the horizon. The best time of year to observe M7 is in the summer months. Because of its large size, the cluster is best seen in binoculars.
Taken 7/6/18 in Grand Rapids, Ohio by Russell Kille on a CPC 1100 with Hyperstar @ F2 and ZWO ASI294MC Pro camera