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Messier 14

Coordinates: Sky map 17h 37m 36.15s, −03° 14′ 45.3″
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Messier 14
Globular cluster Messier 14 in Ophiuchus
Observation data (J2000 epoch)
ClassVIII[1]
ConstellationOphiuchus
Right ascension17h 37m 36.15s[2]
Declination–03° 14′ 45.3″[2]
Distance30.3 kly (9.3 kpc)[3]
Apparent magnitude (V)7.6[4]
Apparent dimensions (V)11.0
Physical characteristics
Mass1.04×106[3] M
Radius50 ly[5]
Metallicity = –1.28[3] dex
Other designationsNGC 6402[2]
See also: Globular cluster, List of globular clusters

Messier 14 (also known as M14 or NGC 6402) is a globular cluster of stars in the constellation Ophiuchus. It was discovered by Charles Messier in 1764.

At a distance of about 30,000 light-years, M14 contains several hundred thousand stars. At an apparent magnitude of 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.[6]

A total of 70 variable stars are 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.

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ Shapley, Harlow; Sawyer, Helen B. (August 1927), "A Classification of Globular Clusters", Harvard College Observatory Bulletin, 849 (849): 11–14, Bibcode:1927BHarO.849...11S.
  2. ^ a b c "NGC 6402". SIMBAD. Centre de données astronomiques de Strasbourg. Retrieved 2006-11-15.
  3. ^ a b c Boyles, J.; et al. (November 2011), "Young Radio Pulsars in Galactic Globular Clusters", The Astrophysical Journal, 742 (1): 51, arXiv:1108.4402, Bibcode:2011ApJ...742...51B, doi:10.1088/0004-637X/742/1/51, S2CID 118649860.
  4. ^ "Messier 14". SEDS Messier Catalog. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  5. ^ distance × sin( diameter_angle / 2 ) = 50 ly radius
  6. ^ "Messier 14 | Messier Objects". 31 March 2015. Retrieved 2020-04-14.
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