MESSIER 23 (NGC 6494) – OPEN CLUSTER IN THE CONSTELLATION SAGITTARIUS

M23, , large open star cluster located in the constellation Sagittarius.
The cluster lies at a distance of 2,150 light Years from Earth and has an apparent magnitude of 6.9.
Messier 23 can be easily seen with binoculars and is best viewed in small to moderate telescopes.
It was discovered by Charles Messier in 1764. Messier described as:
"A star cluster, between the end of the bow of Sagittarius & the right foot of Ophiuchus, very near to 65 Ophiuchi, according to Flamsteed. The stars of this cluster are very close to one another.”