NGC 5897, globular cluster in the sparse constellation of Libra. POSS/DSS photo.

The constellation Libra contains little more than a scattering of faint galaxies and a single globular cluster. This globular is fairly interesting, however.

NGC 5897 is bright enough to be visible in just about any telescope. An eight-inch telescope should begin to show hints of resolution. A 12-inch scope will show a scattering of faint stars across a granular haze. The cluster is about 8 arc-minutes across and slightly condensed toward the center.

How to get there:

NGC 5897 lies about five degrees northeast of 3rd-magnitude Sigma Libra, or eight degrees southwest of Alpha Librae

Finder chart for NGC 5897