MESSIER OBJECT 13 - THE HERCULES CLUSTER  Approximately 25,000 light years distant towards the constellation Hercules, lies one of the most impressive globular clusters visible in the northern hemisphere. This object is a favorite target for astronomers and can be seen in most amateur telescopes as well as binoculars.  

It has a population estimated to exceed 100,000 stars and a diameter of about 150 light years. This cluster is believed to be as much as 12 billion years old. Compared to globular cluster M3, the Hercules cluster has very few blue straggler stars. The reason for this absence is presently unknown.

Imaged with Takahashi FS 102 at f/7.9 with SBIG ST-7ME and Astrodon color filter set. Auto-guided with sub-exposures of 60 seconds each.

L15/R7/G7/B7

April 13th, 2005 Tres Placitas Observatory Santa Fe, NM

Another view of the Hercules cluster showing it in context with its surroundings. Besides the field stars that are visible here, we can also see NGC 6207 a 12th magnitude galaxy lying an estimated 30 million light years distant. It is near the top edge just left of center. Compared to M13, it is over 1,000 times farther away from us.

Canon 10D Digital SLR camera at prime focus on a Takahashi FS-102 refractor at f/7.9
5 exposures of 2 minutes each averaged, combined and dark subtracted in Images Plus. Final Processing in Photoshop CS.

Tres Placitas Observatory Santa Fe, NM

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Last modified: January 1st, 2009