This is a 8th magnitude
globular cluster that lies about 1.5o SE of the Sculptor
Galaxy. Walter Scot Houston observed it in binoculars.
In a six-inch scope NGC
288 appears as a hazy ball with some stars resolved. The
typical magnitude of stars in this cluster is around 12, which is
quite bright. Larger instruments will resolve many more stars:
a 12-inch is said to resolve the bright core. Many observers
have noted a strong resemblance to M15.
This globular is often
overlooked--if you haven't seen it yet, now is the time! As an
object with a southerly declination it is best observed from the
northern hemisphere when it crosses the meridian (around midnight
during October).
Six inch view at 50x.
North is down and east is to the right.
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