# Messier Index/M79

Messier 79
Observation data (w:J2000 epoch)
Class V
Constellation Lepus
Right ascension 05h 24m 10.59s[1]
Declination -24° 31′ 27.3″[1]
Distance 41 kly[citation needed] (12 kpc)
Apparent magnitude (V) +8.56[1]
Apparent dimensions (V) 8,7'
Physical characteristics
Mass kg ( M${\odot}$)
Other designations M79, NGC 1904, GCl 10[1]

Messier 79 (also known as M79 or NGC 1904) is a w:globular cluster in the w:Lepus constellation. It was discovered by w:Pierre Méchain in w:1780. M79 is at a distance of about 41,000 w:light years away from w:Earth and 60,000 light years away from the w:Galactic Center.

Like w:Messier 54 (the other extragalactic globular on Messier's list), it is thought that M79 is not native to the w:Milky Way galaxy at all, but instead to the w:Canis Major Dwarf Galaxy which is currently experiencing a very close encounter with the Milky Way, one it is unlikely to survive intact. This is, however, a contentious subject as astronomers are still debating the nature of the Canis Major dwarf galaxy itself[2]; care must therefore be taken when associating any object with the Canis Major dwarf.