Messier 14: Difference between revisions
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'''Messier 14''' (also known as '''M14''' or '''NGC 6402''') is a [[globular cluster]] in the [[constellation]] [[Ophiuchus]]. It was discovered by [[Charles Messier]] in [[1764]]. |
'''Messier 14''' (also known as '''M14''' or '''NGC 6402''') is a [[globular cluster]] in the [[constellation]] [[Ophiuchus]]. It was discovered by [[Charles Messier]] in [[1764]]. |
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At a distance of about 30,000 light-years, M14 contains several |
At a distance of about 30,000 light-years, M14 contains several hundreds of thousands of [[star]]s. At an [[apparent magnitude]] +7.6 it can be easily observed with [[binoculars]]. Medium-sized [[telescope]]s will show some hint of the individual stars of which the brightest is of magnitude +14. |
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The total [[luminosity]] of M14 is in the order of 400,000 times that of the [[Sun]] corresponding to an [[absolute magnitude]] of -9.12. The shape of the cluster is decidedly elongated. M14 |
The total [[luminosity]] of M14 is in the order of 400,000 times that of the [[Sun]] corresponding to an [[absolute magnitude]] of -9.12. The shape of the cluster is decidedly elongated. M14 is about 100 light-years across. |
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A respectable total of 70 [[variable star]]s |
A respectable total of 70 [[variable star]]s is known in M14, many of the W Virginis variety common in globular clusters. In [[1938]], a [[nova]] appeared although this was not discovered until [[photographic plates]] from that time were studied in [[1964]]. It is estimated that the nova reached a maximum brightness of magnitude +9.2, over five times brighter than the brightest 'normal' star in the cluster. |
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Slightly over 3° southwest of M14 lies the faint globular cluster |
Slightly over 3° southwest of M14 lies the faint globular cluster NGC 6366. |
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[[Image:M14HunterWilson.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Messier 14. Courtesy Hunter Wilson]] |
[[Image:M14HunterWilson.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Messier 14. Courtesy Hunter Wilson]] |
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Revision as of 05:31, 25 February 2009
| Messier 14 | |
|---|---|
 Messier 14, from 2MASS | |
| Observation data (J2000 epoch) | |
| Class | VIII |
| Constellation | Ophiuchus |
| Right ascension | 17h 37m 36.15s[1] |
| Declination | −03° 14′ 45.3″[1] |
| Distance | 30.3 kly (9.3 kpc) |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | +8.32[1] |
| Apparent dimensions (V) | 11.0′ |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Mass | - M☉ (- kg) |
| Radius | 50 ly[2] |
| VHB | - |
| Estimated age | - |
| Notable features | - |
| Other designations | NGC 6402[1] |
Messier 14 (also known as M14 or NGC 6402) is a globular cluster in the constellation Ophiuchus. It was discovered by Charles Messier in 1764.
At a distance of about 30,000 light-years, M14 contains several hundreds of thousands of stars. At an apparent magnitude +7.6 it can be easily observed with binoculars. Medium-sized telescopes will show some hint of the individual stars of which the brightest is of magnitude +14.
The total luminosity of M14 is in the order of 400,000 times that of the Sun corresponding to an absolute magnitude of -9.12. The shape of the cluster is decidedly elongated. M14 is about 100 light-years across.
A respectable total of 70 variable stars is known in M14, many of the W Virginis variety common in globular clusters. In 1938, a nova appeared although this was not discovered until photographic plates from that time were studied in 1964. It is estimated that the nova reached a maximum brightness of magnitude +9.2, over five times brighter than the brightest 'normal' star in the cluster.
Slightly over 3° southwest of M14 lies the faint globular cluster NGC 6366.
External links
- SEDS Messier pages on M14
- M14, Galactic Globular Clusters Database page
- Messier 14 on WikiSky: DSS2, SDSS, GALEX, IRAS, Hydrogen α, X-Ray, Astrophoto, Sky Map, Articles and images
References
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| See also | ||
