NGC 6388

 GLOBULAR CLUSTER IN SCORPIUS   

(Image centered at: ra 17 h:36 m / dec - 44º 44')

May 2023, Home Backyard in Martinez, Buenos Aires, Argentina

DATA

TYPE: Globular Cluster

APPARENT DIAMETER: 8.9 arc minutes 

APPARENT MAGNITUDE (V): 6.9

DISTANCE: 10,700 light years (around 3300 parcecs)

IMAGE INFORMATION

INSTRUMENT: 8" ORION OPTICS UK (Ultra Grade Optics) w/Televue Paracorr working at at f 5.75

CAMERA: QSI 583 WS

MOUNT: SKY WATCHER NEQ6, OAG with Starlight Xpress Lodestar

FILTERS: Baader LRGB Set

SKY CONDITIONS: urban skies - Bortle 8

EXPOSURES: LRGB (60,60,60,60)

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OBJECT DESCRIPTION AND IMAGE SESSION

NGC 6388 is located almost two degrees south from Theta Scorpii. It is a medium to small globular cluster but quite bright with a symmetrical shape and bloated core. While the cluster was formed in the distant past, like most globular clusters, it is over ten billions years old. A study of the distribution of bright blue stars within the cluster shows that it has aged at a moderate speed and its heavies stars are in the process to migrate to the centre core.

The cluster was discovered by Scottish astronomer James Dunlop on May 13th of 1826 using a 9 inches reflector telescope from New South Wales in Australia