M13, Hercules' Globular Cluster (Timothy Prospero)

M13, Hercules' Globular Cluster

M13, also known as the Globular Cluster of Hercules, is one of the most famous globular clusters visible in the night sky. Here is some information about this fascinating astronomical object:

Main features
Name: M13 (Messier 13)
Other names: NGC 6205, Hercules' Globular Cluster
Type: Globular cluster
Constellation: Hercules
Distance from Earth: About 25,000 light years
Diameter: About 145 light years
Apparent magnitude: 5.8 (visible to the naked eye in very dark skies)
Object description
M13 is one of the brightest globular clusters in the northern sky. It is made up of hundreds of thousands of stars, all tightly bound together by gravity. The stars within are very old, with an estimated age of about 11.65 billion years.

History
Discovery: Discovered by the British astronomer Edmond Halley in 1714 and catalogued by Charles Messier in 1764.
Notable observations: M13 has been observed by many telescopes and instruments over the years, providing valuable information on the evolution of stars and globular clusters.
Observing
M13 is located in the constellation of Hercules, which is visible in the northern hemisphere during the summer months. With binoculars or a small telescope it appears as a bright nebula. With larger telescopes it is possible to resolve many of its individual stars, especially those in the outer part of the cluster.

Curiosities
Arecibo message: In 1974, a radio message was sent from the Arecibo radio telescope towards M13 as part of an experiment to communicate with possible extraterrestrial civilisations. However, given the distance, it will take about 25,000 years for the message to reach the cluster and the same amount of time to receive a reply.
Shape: M13 has a spherical shape typical of globular clusters, with a denser concentration of stars in the centre, decreasing towards the edges.
M13 is a fascinating object for amateur and professionals astronomers alike, offering a glimpse into one of the oldest and densest stellar structures in the Universe.

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Astrometry.net job	9880649
PixInsight job	GT4VIGCFEE25LJDCPS22VVTCRVV01IC5
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PixInsight stage	PLATE_SOLVING_IMAGE

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M13, Hercules' Globular Cluster

M13, Hercules' Globular Cluster

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