M13 - Globular Cluster in Hercules
with 10" f/3.9 Astrograph
Uploaded 8/4/23

 
M13,
            also known as the Great Hercules Cluster, is a magnificent globular
            cluster situated in the constellation of Hercules. Located approximately
            25,000 light-years away from Earth, this stellar congregation
            stands as one of the most prominent and impressive objects of
            its kind in the night sky. Comprising hundreds of thousands of
            stars tightly bound by gravity, M13 forms a spherical, densely
            packed structure, creating a breathtakingly dense core at its
            center. This cluster, thought to be around 12 to 14 billion years
            old, has endured through the ages, preserving a fascinating record
            of stellar evolution and offering astronomers invaluable insights
            into the early history of our Milky Way galaxy. For observers,
            M13 appears as a luminous smudge in the night sky, but with even
            a modest telescope, its awe-inspiring splendor unveils a sparkling
            multitude of stars, captivating viewers with a glimpse into the
            vastness and intricacy of the cosmos.

            
Select an image size for a larger view:

1600 x 1290


Instrument:  10" f/3.9 Orion Astrograph Newtonian with Baader MPCC
Mount:  Astrophysics 1200 QMD
CCD Camera:  ATIK 16200 
Guider: ASI120  w/80mm WO Zenithstar 81 piggyback refractor
Exposure:  1 hours RGB
Astronomik  RGB Combine Ratio:  1: .9: 1.5
Location:  Payson, Arizona, Elevation:  5150 ft.
Sky:  Seeing FWHM = 3 arcsec , Transparency 9/10
Outside Temperature:  55 F
CCD Temperature:  -30 C
Image Processing Tools: 
Maxim DL6:  Calibration, PixInsight:  All Remaining processing, Production finishing: Photoshop CS2

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