Globular Cluster · Ophiucus

M14 NGC 6402

Magnitude
7.6
Season
Summer
Difficulty
Moderate
Star-hop chart
M140.0° field0° rotation
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Imaging reference
NGC 6402 (M14) Globular Cluster

Observer's guide

About NGC 6402

NGC 6402 (M14) is catalogued as a globular cluster in Ophiucus. Its J2000 position is RA 17:37:36.16, Dec -03:14:45.3, corresponding to 264.4006 degrees RA and -3.2459 degrees Dec. The local catalogue places it about 27,400 light-years away. Its referenced angular extent is approximately 13.5 by 13.5 arcminutes.

Observing tips

StarWatchr rates this as a moderate target at magnitude 7.6. It is associated with summer observing, with midnight placement typically strongest around June. From 52 degrees north its theoretical meridian altitude is about 34.8 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 -60.7 km/s. The SIMBAD record currently connects it to 425 bibliographic references.

At roughly 13.5 arcminutes across, it benefits from a narrower field and adequate image scale. Use the listed 13.5 by 13.5 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 M14 are kept separate from practical observing guidance.

Coordinates (J2000/ICRS)
RA 264.400625° · Dec -3.245917°
SIMBAD classification
GlC
Angular extent
13.5′ × 13.5′
Position angle
Radial velocity
-60.7 km/s
Redshift
-0.00020245
Linked bibliography
425 references
Best midnight placement
June
Observable latitude range
-90° to 86.8°

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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