Globular cluster M22 in Sagittarius the archer. Credit: Bernhard Hubl

For those awake late this evening, looking southeast will reveal the Teapot of Sagittarius, a prominent asterism situated near the Milky Way’s plane.Magnitude 2.8 Lambda (λ) Sagittarii marks the Teapot’s lid, and a mere 2.5° northeast lies the globular cluster M22.

M22, shining at magnitude 5.1, ranks among the brightest globular clusters visible. While binoculars or a small telescope offer the best view, those in areas with dark skies and a clear horizon might glimpse its faint glow unaided. Spanning roughly the same apparent size as the Full Moon,M22 contains at least 70,000 stars. Located approximately 10,000 light-years away, it’s a relatively close globular cluster, with a physical diameter of about 200 light-years.

M22 will be observable from midnight into the early hours of June 18th as Sagittarius makes its way across the southern sky. The optimal viewing time for detailed observation will be around 2 A.M.local daylight time, when it transits, reaching its highest point.

Sunrise: 5:31 A.M.
Sunset: 8:31 P.M.
Moonrise: 12:28 A.M.
Moonset: 11:46 A.M.
Moon Phase: Waning gibbous (62%)
*Times for sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset are given in local time from 40° N 90° W. The Moon’s illumination is given at 12 P.M. local time from the same location.

For a look ahead at more upcoming sky events, check out our full Sky this Week column.