M-30 Globular Cluster

M-30 is a small and compact globular. It's smaller and dimmer than M-13, but still offers a nice view. If you can see Capricornus, you should be able to see M-30 in binoculars or a scope as small as a 90 mm. However, you will need a clear southern horizon and dark skies if you live in the northern hemisphere. The bright star to the right of M-30 in the star chart is Zeta Capricorn at magnitude 3.7. This star may be lost in haze and light pollution if you live in the northern USA, but if you can see it you should be able to see M-30. The cluster is about 3 degrees from this star and only about 1/4 of a degree to the right of a magnitude 5 star.

	Scope: 8" LX 200 SCT
	MX-5C CCD, STAR 2000 and IDAS LPR
	Focal Ratio: f3.3
	Exposure: 15 min
The low altitude of M-30 from my location makes M-30 a difficult object. Seeing is usually poor and the dimmer regions of the cluster get lost in light pollution.	Scope: 8" LX 200 SCT
	MX-5C CCD, STAR 2000 and IDAS LPR
	Focal Ratio: f6.6
	Exposure: 35 min
	Link to the SEDS M-30 Page
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M-30
M-30 is a small and compact globular. It's smaller and dimmer than M-13, but still offers a nice view. If you can see Capricornus, you should be able to see M-30 in binoculars or a scope as small as a 90 mm. However, you will need a clear southern horizon and dark skies if you live in the northern hemisphere. The bright star to the right of M-30 in the star chart is Zeta Capricorn at magnitude 3.7. This star may be lost in haze and light pollution if you live in the northern USA, but if you can see it you should be able to see M-30. The cluster is about 3 degrees from this star and only about 1/4 of a degree to the right of a magnitude 5 star.
	Constellation: Capricornus Size: 10 arcmin Magnitude: 6.9 Magnitude Tip: 12.1 RA: 21h 40m 22s Dec: -23 d 10m 48s