NGC 6712
Encyclopedia
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 described it as a globular star cluster
during his observations in the 1830s.
Globular cluster
A globular cluster is a spherical collection of stars that orbits a galactic core as a satellite. Globular clusters are very tightly bound by gravity, which gives them their spherical shapes and relatively high stellar densities toward their centers. The name of this category of star cluster is...
that was probably discovered by Le Gentil on July 9, 1749 when investigating the Milky Way
Milky Way
The Milky Way is the galaxy that contains the Solar System. This name derives from its appearance as a dim un-resolved "milky" glowing band arching across the night sky...
star cloud in Aquila
Aquila (constellation)
Aquila is a stellar constellation. Its name is Latin for 'eagle' and it is commonly represented as such. In mythology, Aquila was owned by the Roman god Jupiter and performed many tasks for him....
. He described it as a "true nebula," in contrast to the open star cluster M11
Wild Duck Cluster
The Wild Duck Cluster is an open cluster in the constellation Scutum. It was discovered by Gottfried Kirch in 1681. Charles Messier included it in his catalogue in 1764....
. Independently discovered by William Herschel
William Herschel
Sir Frederick William Herschel, KH, FRS, German: Friedrich Wilhelm Herschel was a German-born British astronomer, technical expert, and composer. Born in Hanover, Wilhelm first followed his father into the Military Band of Hanover, but emigrated to Britain at age 19...
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 described it as a globular star cluster
Globular cluster
A globular cluster is a spherical collection of stars that orbits a galactic core as a satellite. Globular clusters are very tightly bound by gravity, which gives them their spherical shapes and relatively high stellar densities toward their centers. The name of this category of star cluster is...
during his observations in the 1830s.