Waid Observatory

Object: M71
Date: 07/14/2009    -    Location: Denton, Texas
Telescope: C-14:    Mount:    MI-250  -  Camera: ST-10XME F:7.5
Exposure: L = 60 min. R,G & B = 30 min. each
(Sub-exposures = 5 min. each   -   Binned 2X2)

Click on the image to view at high resolution.

 

M 71

M71 1

Discovered 1745-46 by Philippe Loys de Chéseaux.

M71 is a loose globular cluster in the constellation Sagitta.  There has been much discussion as to the classification of the cluster.  It was classified by early astronomers as a dense open cluster but resent consensus is that M71 is a "loose" globular cluster.  It has a high metallicity content, which is unusual for a globular.  Only M69 has a higher abundance of metals in its stars.  It is small for a globular with a visible diameter of approximately 27 light years.  It lies at a distance of approximately 13,000 light years from the Earth and can be viewed under dark skies with the aid of binoculars.

1http://www.seds.org/messier/m/m071.html

 
Copyright Donald P. Waid