Messier 10 - A Globular Cluster in Ophiuchus
Updated: Jun 7, 2023
Messier 10 is a globular cluster in the constellation Ophiuchus. It was discovered in 1764 and spans about two-thirds the size of the full moon.
We imaged this target for just one 1 hour while waiting for Cygnus to be higher in the sky as our main target for the night was in that constellation. We usually don't image globular clusters with the small refractor telescope but that was the only one we brought with us to the desert that night so we did not really have a choice!
M10 is best photographed at the end of Spring and the beginning of Summer. Read our guide on the 15 best Astrophotography targets for Summer if you need some inspiration about what to image next!
One hour on Messier 10 in LRGB
GEAR USED:
Camera: ZWO ASI 1600MC
Telescope: Meade 70mm APO
Mount: Motorized Equatorial Mount
Guiding: ZWO ASI 290MM Mini
Acquisition: ZWO ASIAIR
Processing: PixInsight
ACQUISITION DETAILS:
Total Exposure Time: 1 hour
Exposure Time per frame: 30 seconds
Filters: L, R, G, B
GAIN: 75
How to Locate Messier 10
Messier 10 can be found in Ophiuchus very close to another cluster, M12. To quickly find it, scan the area north of the Scorpion's tail from the constellation Scorpius. M10 sits near the center of Ophiuchus.
Several other clusters can be seen in the constellation, like M14, M9, and M107.
Check out all the star clusters we've photographed on our star cluster page.
Final Thoughts
Although this was only one hour of exposure and with a small telescope, it turned out pretty nice!
Messier 10 is not that impressive, and it’s not that colorful. So, why do we bother photographing it?
Because we are on a quest to capture all Messier objects!
We only keep the images we are proud of and want our own Messier catalog to be completely filled with wonderful photos.
Clear Skies,
Antoine & Dalia Grelin
Galactic Hunter
Astrophotography Books
Description: The Astrophotographer’s Journal is a portable notebook created for the purpose of recording observations, cataloging photographs, and writing down the wonderful memories created by this hobby. This book contains more than 200 pages to memorialize your stargazing and imaging sessions, as well as a useful chart on the last pages to index exciting or important notes.
