Messier 10

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Messier 10

Messier 10, as imaged
by the 2MASS survey of 1969.

Observation data: J2000 epoch
Class: VII
Constellation: Ophiuchus
Right ascension: 16h 57m 08.99s[1]
Declination: -04° 05′ 57.6″[1]
Distance: 14.3 kly (4.4 kpc)
Apparent magnitude (V): 6.4[1]
Apparent dimensions (V): 20′.0
Physical characteristics
Mass: ( M)
Radius: 41.6 ly [2]
VHB:
Estimated age:
Notable features:
Other designations: NGC 6254[1]
See also: Globular cluster, List of globular clusters


Messier 10 (also known as M10, Globular Cluster M10 or NGC 6254) is a globular cluster in the constellation Ophiuchus. It was discovered by Charles Messier on May 29, 1764, cataloged as number 10 in his list, and described as a "Nebula without stars."

[edit] Description

M10 has an apparent diameter of some 20', about 2/3 the apparent diameter of the moon, which translates to a spatial diameter of 83 light-years at its estimated distance of 14,300 light-years. Viewed through medium sized telescopes it appears about half that size (8' to 9'), as its brighter core is only 35 light-years across. Only 4 variable stars have been discovered in this cluster.

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d SIMBAD Astronomical Database. Results for NGC 6254. Retrieved on 2006-11-15.
  2. ^ distance × sin( diameter_angle / 2 ) = 41.6 ly. radius