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Globular Cluster M9 (NGC 6333), class VIII, in Ophiuchus

[m9.jpg]
Right Ascension 17 : 19.2 (h:m)
Declination -18 : 31 (deg:m)
Distance 26.4 (kly)
Visual Brightness 7.7 (mag)
Apparent Dimension 9.3 (arc min)
Discovered by  Charles Messier
 May 5th, 1764

 

M9 is one of the nearer globular clusters to the center of our Galaxy, with a computed distance of 5500 light-years from the Galactic Center . Its 9.3 arc minutes angular diameter corresponds to a linear extension of 70 light years at its distance of about 26,000 light years from our Solar system. To the north and west, its light is significantly dimmed by interstellar dust, as it lies at the edge of a patch of dark nebula.

M9 is receding from us at the very high velocity of 224 km/sec, and 13 variables have been found in this cluster.

"Nebula without a star, in the right foot of Ophiuchus; it is circular and it's light faint." Charles Messier from his Catalogue (Again showing his lack of quality instruments by todays standards).

Main information courtesy S.E.D.S.