Deep space
Messier 9
Globular cluster · M9 · NGC 6333
Globular cluster in Ophiuchus
Photo: NASA & ESA · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Messier 9 or M9 is a globular cluster in the constellation of Ophiuchus. It is positioned in the southern part of the constellation to the southwest of Eta Ophiuchi, and lies atop a dark cloud of dust designated Barnard 64. The cluster was discovered by French astronomer Charles Messier on June 3, 1764, who described it as a "nebula without stars". In 1783, English astronomer William Herschel was able to use his reflector to resolve individual stars within the cluster. He estimated the cluster to be 7–8′ in diameter with stars densely packed near the center.
Description from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
In your sky
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Key facts
Distance
~25,800 light-years
Apparent mag.
+7.7
Apparent size
9.3′
Best seen with
Binoculars
Catalogue
M9 · NGC 6333
Did you know
- Listed as Messier 9 in the Messier catalogue, also known as NGC 6333.
- Found in the constellation Ophiuchus.
- Within reach of ordinary binoculars under dark skies.
