Messier 10 or M10 is a globular cluster of stars in the equatorial constellation of Ophiuchus. The object was discovered by the French astronomer Charles Messier on May 29, 1764, who cataloged it as number 10 in his catalogue and described it as a “nebula without stars”. In 1774, German astronomer Johann Elert Bode likewise called it a “nebulous patch without stars; very pale”. Using larger instrumentation, German-born astronomer William Herschel was able to resolve the cluster into its individual members. He described it as a “beautiful cluster of extremely compressed stars”. William Parsons, 3rd Earl of Rosse thought he could distinguish a dark lane through part of the cluster. The first to estimate the distance to the cluster was Harlow Shapley, although his derivation of 33,000 light years was much further than the modern value.
Object Designations: NGC6254, M10, Messier 10
Also known as: (none)
Constellation: Ophiuchus
Object Type: Globular Star Cluster
Distance: 14,000 light-years away
Magnitude: 6.6
Discovery: Charles Messier
Telescope: Celestron 9.25 2350 mm / F4
Camera: ZWO ASI2600 MC Pro – No Filter
Mount: Celestron CGEMII – With CPWI Software
Guiding: Celestron Starsense Autoguider
SharpCap Imaging Software
