Globular Cluster in Ophiuchus
The constellation Ophiuchus, the serpent bearer, is rich in globular cluster, and eight of them made it onto Messier's list. At an estimated distance of about 15,000 light years, Messier 10 is the closest of these eight. It is a good target for summer viewing. Individual stars are well resolved with telescopes of moderate aperture.
About 3 degrees to the northwest is Messier 12, another globular cluster of similar brightness.
| Magnitude | 6.6 |
| Apparent Size | 15' |
| Distance (light yrs) | 15,000 |
| Right Ascension | 16:57.1 |
| Declination | -4 05 |
| Field of View | 22.5' x 15' |
Image details: 12 images, each 150 seconds at ISO 1600,
taken with a Canon 400D camera through a Meade
12” telescope at f/10. Image processing with ImagesPlus and
Photoshop.
June 2010