M92

Globular Star Cluster in the Constellation Hercules

Messier 92 (also known as M92 or NGC 6341) is a globular cluster of stars in the northern constellation of Hercules. It was discovered by Johann Elert Bode in 1777.  M92 is one of the brighter globular clusters in the northern hemisphere, but it is often overlooked by amateur astronomers because of its proximity to the even more spectacular Messier 13. It is visible to the naked eye under very good conditions.  Among the Milky Way population of globular clusters, Messier 92 is among the most luminous in our Milky Way galaxy. It is also one of the oldest globular clusters in our galaxy.  M92 lies 26,000 light-years distant from Earth, and has a diameter of 109 light-years.  M92 is approaching Earth at 70 miles/sec.

Image Details:

•  
  • Instrument: TMB 152 Triplet Apo Refractor @ f/7.9  (1200mm)
  • Mount: Mountain Instruments MI-250 GoTo
  • Image Scale:  1.35 arc-seconds/pixel
  • Filters: Astronomik IR/Cutoff Filter
  • Exposure: 30 x 20 seconds
  • Camera: SBIG ST-2000XCM Color One-Shot with AO-7
  • Software: Maxim DL/CCD, Adobe Photoshop, RC Astro Gradient X-Terminator, Neat Image Pro
  • Location: Little Rock, AR., El. 350ft
  • Date: September 18th, 2006