M2 (constellation Aquarius)

M 2 is a globular star cluster in the constellation Aquarius. Diameter about 175 light-years. It contains about 150,000 stars. Distance to M 2 is about 38,000 light-years. Discovered on September 11, 1746 by Jean-Dominique Maraldi as a nebula without stars. In 1760 William Herschel resolved stars in it. It is one of the richest and most compact globular clusters. Angular size 16'.