NGC 7492 is a globular cluster[1] in the constellation Aquarius. It was discovered by the astronomer William Herschel on September 20, 1786.[5] It resides in the outskirts of the Milky Way, about 80,000 light-years away, more than twice the distance between the Sun and the center of the galaxy, and is a benchmark member of the outer galactic halo.[6] The cluster is immersed in, but does not kinematically belong to, the Sagittarius Stream.[7]
NGC 7492 | |
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Observation data (J2000 epoch) | |
Constellation | Aquarius |
Right ascension | 23h 08m 26.7s[1] |
Declination | −15° 36′ 39″[1] |
Distance | 24,500 kpc (80,000×10 3 ly)[2] |
Apparent magnitude (V) | 11.2 |
Apparent dimensions (V) | 4.2′ |
Physical characteristics | |
Absolute magnitude | 0.38±0.04[3] |
Metallicity | = -1.69[4] dex |
Estimated age | 12 Gyr[2] |
Other designations | GCl 125, MWSC 3705 |
NGC 7492 possess a tidal tail 3.5 degrees long,[8] embedded into an over-density of stars which may be the remnants of a disrupted dwarf galaxy.[9] The shape of the cluster is flattened rather than spherical, likely due to dynamical interaction with the Milky Way.[10]