NGC 3201 (GC)
Globular Cluster in Vela
| R.A. | Dec. | Size | Mag | SB | Cnt.St | Type | Distance | Chart |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10h 17m 37.7s | -46° 25′ 01.9″ | 18.2′ | 8.2 | 14.3 | X | GC | -- | -- |
Source: POSS-2 UK Schmidt Red (STScI) | Field: 15′ × 15′
Background
NGC 3201 is a globular cluster 16,000 light-years away in Vela. Notable for an unusually high radial velocity ( 490 km/s recession), suggesting it may have been captured from a disrupted dwarf galaxy. About 240 RR Lyrae variables have been catalogued in it.
My Observing Notes
44-cm (Club 17.5-inch f/5): μ and ρ Velorum are conveniently placed and point towards the cluster — push the telescope a further 6–8° south of γ Velorum. Pan along that line to pick up the glowing halo easily in the finderscope. Cluster is easily resolved in the 17.5-inch. Upping the magnification reveals beautiful chains and loops of stars dominating the view. The uniformity in density and raggedy edge make it look almost like a really dense open cluster.(10 April 2026)
References
Charts
Ultra-wide view (~25° field)
Wide-field view with Telrad rings (4°, 2°, 0.5°)
Finderscope view (9×50 RACI, ~4.4° TFOV)
Eyepiece view — 35 mm Panoptic on 12-inch f/5 (1.6° TFOV)