| Messier 14 | |
| Epoch: | J2000 |
| Class: | VIII |
| Constellation: | Ophiuchus |
| Ra: | [1] |
| Dist Ly: | 30.3abbr=onNaNabbr=on |
| Appmag V: | 7.6[2] |
| Size V: | 11.0 |
| Radius Ly: | 50 ly[3] |
| Metal Fe: | –1.28 |
| Names: | NGC 6402 |
Messier 14 (also known as M14 or NGC 6402) is a globular cluster of stars in the constellation Ophiuchus. It was discovered by Charles Messier in 1764.
At a distance of about 30,000 light-years, M14 contains several hundred thousand stars. At an apparent magnitude of +7.6 it can be easily observed with binoculars. Medium-sized telescopes will show some hint of the individual stars of which the brightest is of magnitude +14.
The total luminosity of M14 is in the order of 400,000 times that of the Sun corresponding to an absolute magnitude of -9.12. The shape of the cluster is decidedly elongated. M14 is about 100 light-years across.[4]
A total of 70 variable stars are known in M14, many of the W Virginis variety common in globular clusters. In 1938, a nova appeared, although this was not discovered until photographic plates from that time were studied in 1964. It is estimated that the nova reached a maximum brightness of magnitude +9.2, over five times brighter than the brightest 'normal' star in the cluster.
Slightly over 3° southwest of M14 lies the faint globular cluster NGC 6366.