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.
