Palomar 11

Lore & Background

Palomar 11 is one of the Palomar globular clusters that are of average size and located nearby, but are obscured in our line of sight by dust. It was discovered in the 1950s on the survey plates of the first Palomar Observatory Sky Survey (POSS), using the enormous 48-inch Schmidt camera at Palomar. Some of the astronomers who identified these objects as globular clusters include George Abell, Fritz Zwicky, Edwin Hubble, Halton Arp and Walter Baade.

Like many Palomar globulars, Palomar 11 had never been seen before its discovery in the 1950s. Observation of Palomar 11 varies in difficulty; it is a small and compact cluster, requiring dark skies, high power (at least 200 power magnification), and averted vision for successful observation. Visual observers may find it hazy rather than resolving individual stars.

Reader's Guide

Palomar 11 is significant as one of the faintest globular clusters in the Milky Way, discovered only with the powerful 48-inch Schmidt camera at Palomar in the 1950s. Its status as an average-sized cluster nearby but obscured by dust highlights the challenges of observing globular clusters through the galactic plane. For amateur astronomers, Palomar 11 represents a moderately difficult target: it is small and compact, requiring dark skies, excellent seeing, and at least 200 power magnification. Observers must navigate the sky precisely and rely on averted vision. Unlike some Palomar globulars where individual stars can be resolved, Palomar 11 typically appears hazy. Its discovery as part of the Palomar survey underscores the late recognition of these clusters due to their faintness and obscuration. The cluster's legacy lies in demonstrating how dust can hide even nearby stellar systems, and in providing a test object for visual observers seeking to observe all 15 Palomar globulars.

Did You Know?

• Palomar 11 is one of 15 Palomar globular clusters discovered in the 1950s on POSS survey plates.
• It is an average-sized cluster located nearby but obscured in our line of sight by dust.
• Visual observation of Palomar 11 requires dark skies, high power (at least 200x), and averted vision.