Date: 07/14/2009 - Location: Denton, Texas
Telescope: C-14: Mount: MI-250 - Camera: ST-10XME F:7.5
Exposure: L = 60 min. R,G & B = 30 min. each
(Sub-exposures = 5 min. each - Binned 2X2)
M71 is a loose globular cluster in the constellation Sagitta. There has been much discussion as to the classification of the cluster. It was classified by early astronomers as a dense open cluster but recent consensus is that M71 is a "loose" globular cluster. It has a high metallicity content, which is unusual for a globular. Only M69 has a higher abundance of metals in its stars. It is small for a globular with a visible diameter of approximately 27 light years. It lies at a distance of approximately 13,000 light years from the Earth and can be viewed under dark skies with the aid of binoculars.
