The American Association of Amateur Astronomers
The Constellation Hercules - The
Hero
Although the constellations of Bootes, Corona Borealis, and
Hercules inhabit a large area of sky both in Right Ascension and Declination, these constellations
contain relatively few objects of interest. The only Messier objects in this area are M-13 and M-92, both in Hercules.
The other objects present are mainly faint galaxies, globular clusters, and planetary nebulae.
HERCULES
 M-13 - Through binoculars, this globular cluster is a bright round glow, broadly concentrated to a very
bright center. In the telescope, it is very large, 10-12' in diameter, with stars resolved completely across its
face. It has a rather ragged appearance, with star chains extending away from it. Look in the southeast corner
to see "the Propeller", a Y-shaped area devoid of bright stars. While in the area, look about 40' to
the northeast of M-13 to see NGC 6207. It is a rather small and uninteresting galaxy, but both of these objects
fit into the same low power view, and make an impressive deep sky double.M-92 - In binoculars, this globular is almost as bright as M-13, but only half its size. Look for a soft
halo surrounding a brighter core. Through the telescope, it is 6-8' in diameter with stars resolved almost to the
center. A very pretty object.
NGC 6210 - This is a relatively bright planetary nebula, although small. It appears as an out of focus blue-green
star that fades in brightness slightly at the edges.
Alpha Herculis - Easily split double star, a beautiful red and gold pair.
Article © Copyright Rick Raasch
Photos © Copyright Edward P. Flaspoehler, Jr.
Messier Objects in Hercules
|
Con
|
Messier
|
Type
|
R.A.
|
Dec.
|
Mag.
|
Size
|
NGC#
|
|
Her
|
M13
|
Globular Cluster
|
16h 41.7
|
36d 28
|
7.0
|
16.6'
|
6205
|
|
Her
|
M92
|
Globular Cluster
|
17h 17.1
|
43d 8
|
7.5
|
11.2'
|
6341
|
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