M 30

Globular cluster M30, at roughly 25,000 light years distance and about 70 light years across, has only about 12 known variables, and is approaching us at 164 km/sec. It is fairly dense and a fine object in even small scopes.

Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin mentions that a dwarf nova had occurred in M30; another one has been detected in M5 and a third in NGC 6712.

M30 is less loved by Messier Marathoners, as it is often the last missed object of an almost-complete Messier Marathon, a tour for viewing all Messier objects in one night (which is possible near the end of March in moonless nights).

Right ascension	21 : 37.5 (hours : minutes)
Declination	-23 : 25 (degrees : minutes)
Distance	40.0 (light-years*10^3)
Visual magnitude	8.4

DSSM