M 11 (NGC 6705) -- Open Cluster in Scutum
Star Ducks In Flight?
Through a moderate-sized telescope, M11 provides a most pleasant view. This tight open
cluster of stars is often referred to as the "Wild Duck Cluster" because some see Smyth's
(a famous astronomer) flight of wild ducks. I seem to lack the imagination to see these
ducks in flight. Stephen James O'Meara (author of "The Messier Objects") sees a large
tick. To me (an entomologist) it reminds me more of a Pseudoscorpion. Somehow I don't
think the cluster will ever become known as the "Celestial Tick" or the "Cosmic
Pseudoscorpion". I am sure it will remain as The "Wild Duck Cluster".
cluster of stars is often referred to as the "Wild Duck Cluster" because some see Smyth's
(a famous astronomer) flight of wild ducks. I seem to lack the imagination to see these
ducks in flight. Stephen James O'Meara (author of "The Messier Objects") sees a large
tick. To me (an entomologist) it reminds me more of a Pseudoscorpion. Somehow I don't
think the cluster will ever become known as the "Celestial Tick" or the "Cosmic
Pseudoscorpion". I am sure it will remain as The "Wild Duck Cluster".
