Messier 30

Hubble observations helped identify two types of "blue stragglers" in Messier 30.

Distance

28,000 light-years

Apparent Magnitude

7.7

constellation

Capricornus

object type

Globular Cluster

M30 as observed by Hubble
This brilliant image of Messier 30 (M30), taken by Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS), is composed of exposures in visible and infrared light. It captures the globular cluster’s dense swarm of several hundred thousand stars in stunning detail. M30 is about 90 light-years across and formed 13 billion years ago.
NASA/ESA

Although globular clusters such as Messier 30 are mainly populated by old stars, the density of the stellar swarm leads to some old stars apparently reclaiming their youth as “blue stragglers.” Using observations from Hubble's now-retired Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2), astronomers have identified two types of blue stragglers in M30: those that form in near head-on collisions between two stars, and those that are in binary systems where one star siphons "life-giving" hydrogen from its more massive companion.

M30 was discovered by Charles Messier in 1764. It is located roughly 28,000 light-years from Earth in the constellation Capricornus. It has an apparent magnitude of 7.7 and can be seen through a pair of binoculars. M30 is best observed during October.

For more information about Hubble’s observations of M30, see:

locator star chart for M30
This star chart for M30 represents the view from mid-northern latitudes for the given month and time.
Image courtesy of Stellarium
locator star chart for M30
This star chart for M30 represents the view from mid-southern latitudes for the given month and time.
Image courtesy of Stellarium

Explore Hubble's Messier Catalog

The following pages contain some of Hubble’s best images of Messier objects.

Bright green, orange, and yellow tendrils intertwined within this egg shaped nebula.

Messier 1 (The Crab Nebula)

Better known as the Crab Nebula, Charles Messier originally mistook Messier 1 for Halley’s Comet, which inspired him to create…

A Hubble image of a ball of thousands of stars

Messier 2

Hubble's image of Messier 2 is comprised of visible and infrared wavelengths of light.

Hubble view of M3 - a ball of thousands of stars.

Messier 3

Messier 3 holds more than 500,000 stars.

More Things Hubble

  • nearly spherical gathering of white stars at center top. Blue gas cloud extends from top left to center bottom

    Hubble Science Highlights

    Hubble’s most notable scientific discoveries reflect the broad range of research and the breakthroughs it has achieved.

  • Upper left: "Hubble Focus" opening of the telescope is the "O" Center: bright-white star, Center Bottom: Orange-red planet with cloud bands, Center: small, bright-white star and very small red-orange dwarf star

    Hubble E-books

    Investigate the mysteries of the universe with Hubble. Learn Hubble's history. E-books dive deeper into Hubble discoveries and more.

  • An astronaut stands in front of a background of a nebula against a deep field of galaxies. The words "Name That Nebula" hovers above.

    Hubble Online Activities

    Find your Hubble birthday image, take interactive tours, play games, and more.

  • c39-2b

    Caldwell Catalog

    Your backyard telescope and binoculars may not have the capabilities of Hubble, but you can still see amazing objects. Compare what you see with the images Hubble has taken.