Globular Cluster · Ophiucus

M10 NGC 6254

Magnitude
6.6
Season
Summer
Difficulty
Moderate
Star-hop chart
M100.0° field0° rotation
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Imaging reference
NGC 6254 (M10) Globular Cluster

Observer's guide

About NGC 6254

NGC 6254 (M10) is catalogued as a globular cluster in Ophiucus. Its J2000 position is RA 16:57:08.99, Dec -04:05:57.6, corresponding to 254.2877 degrees RA and -4.1003 degrees Dec. The local catalogue places it about 14,400 light-years away. Its referenced angular extent is approximately 15.1 by 15.1 arcminutes.

Observing tips

StarWatchr rates this as a moderate target at magnitude 6.6. It is associated with summer observing, with midnight placement typically strongest around May. From 52 degrees north its theoretical meridian altitude is about 33.9 degrees; local horizons and the live altitude chart determine the practical window.

A small telescope under reasonably dark skies is a good starting point; use the live altitude chart to choose its highest point.

What to expect

The SIMBAD classification for the matched source is GlC. A published radial velocity value is 74 km/s. The SIMBAD record currently connects it to 867 bibliographic references.

At roughly 15.1 arcminutes across, it benefits from a narrower field and adequate image scale. Use the listed 15.1 by 15.1 arcminute extent to check framing, and treat catalogue magnitude as integrated brightness rather than a direct measure of visual contrast.

Sourced catalogue data

Scientific record

Measurements for M10 are kept separate from practical observing guidance.

Coordinates (J2000/ICRS)
RA 254.287708° · Dec -4.100306°
SIMBAD classification
GlC
Angular extent
15.1′ × 15.1′
Position angle
90°
Radial velocity
74 km/s
Redshift
0.00024687
Linked bibliography
867 references
Best midnight placement
May
Observable latitude range
-90° to 85.9°

Source: SIMBAD astronomical database (CDS, Strasbourg) (ODbL; checked 2026-08-09). Catalogue values may change when new measurements are published.

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24-hour altitude profile

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