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Hubble · Messier 14 · NASA, ESA, and F. D'Antona (INAF, Osservatorio Astronomico di Roma); Image Processing: Gladys Kober

Messier 14

Star cluster in Ophiuchus · 30,300 light-years

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TypeStar cluster
ConstellationOphiuchus
Right ascension17h 37m 36s
Declination−3° 15′
Object distance30,300 light-years
Apparent magnitude5.7
Apparent size9.9′ (arc-minutes)
Approx. true diameter87.3 light-years across
Also known asM14 · NGC 6402
Messier 14 is a star cluster (also catalogued as NGC 6402) in Ophiuchus — a gravitationally bound family of stars sharing a common origin. It was recorded by Charles Messier in his famous catalogue of 110 deep-sky objects. It spans roughly 9.9 arc-minutes on the sky. At about magnitude 5.7, it is an easy target for binoculars and small telescopes.

Although it appears about 9.9′ wide on the sky, its real span is roughly 87.3 light-years — the difference is a measure of how far away it lies.

Observing Messier 14

Messier 14 lies in the constellation Ophiuchus and is best placed in the evening sky around June. Its maximum altitude above the horizon depends on your latitude. Lying near the celestial equator, it can be seen from both hemispheres. It is a comfortable target for binoculars and small telescopes.

See Messier 14 in Universe Finder

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