Deep space
Messier 10
Globular cluster · M10 · NGC 6254
Globular cluster in Ophiuchus
Photo: en:NASA, en:STScI, en:WikiSky · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Messier 10 or M10 is a globular cluster of stars in the equatorial constellation of Ophiuchus. The object was discovered by the French astronomer Charles Messier on May 29, 1764, who cataloged it as number 10 in his catalogue and described it as a "nebula without stars". In 1774, German astronomer Johann Elert Bode likewise called it a "nebulous patch without stars; very pale". Using larger instrumentation, German-born astronomer William Herschel was able to resolve the cluster into its individual members. He described it as a "beautiful cluster of extremely compressed stars". William Parsons, 3rd Earl of Rosse thought he could distinguish a dark lane through part of the cluster. The first to estimate the distance to the cluster was Harlow Shapley, although his derivation of 33,000 light years was much further than the modern value.
Description from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
In your sky
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Key facts
Distance
~14,300 light-years
Apparent mag.
+6.6
Apparent size
20′
Best seen with
Binoculars
Catalogue
M10 · NGC 6254
Did you know
- Listed as Messier 10 in the Messier catalogue, also known as NGC 6254.
- Found in the constellation Ophiuchus.
- Within reach of ordinary binoculars under dark skies.
