NGC 6401: Globular Star Cluster (Ophiuchus) RA: 17h 38.6m / DEC: -23° 54'.5 Instrument: 10-inch Starfinder |
You will find NGC 6401 just 1.6 degrees due east of 4.8 magnitude 51 Ophiuchi. This 7.4 magnitude globular cluster is populated by dimly glowing embers. The horizontal branch stars weigh in at the paltry 18.0 magnitude, with the brightest members at 15.5 magnitude. However, the view in the 10-inch at 129X does show some structure. NGC 6401 appears 4' in diameter with the inner 2' being noticeably brighter. The brightest star in the field is 9.2 magnitude HD 160023, 8' to the south of the cluster. Twenty-three field stars complete the view, including a 13th magnitude sparkler along the southeast edge of the globular cluster. |
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