| M9 and M107 are two globular clusters in the southern part of Ophiuchus. They are not as large or as bright as some other globular clusters in the summer sky, glowing at magnitudes 7.7 and 8.0, respectively. M9 is about 26,000 light years away, and M107 is about 21,000 light years away. Each cluster is within about 3 degrees of a second-magnitude 2 star, which makes it easier to locate them. |
 |
| Evening visibility: |
June-September |
| Best viewed with: |
telescope |
| |
Printable chart (pdf) |
View larger image |
Directions:
Start by finding the constellation Ophiuchus, the serpent bearer, a large oval shape that is west of Arcturus (part of the Spring Triangle), east of Altair (part of the Summer Triangle), and north of Antares. The oval is about 25 degrees from top to bottom, and its main stars are second and third magnitude, so they should be easy to see with the naked eye even with moderate light pollution.
|
 |
| Look for the line of four stars that form the south end of Ophiuchus, stretching from Sabik in the east to Yed Prior in the west. In between is second-magnitude ζ (zeta) Ophiuchi. M9 can be found 3.5 degrees southeast of Sabik. M107 is about 3 degrees south of ζ. |
 |
| Star charts created with Cartes du Ciel |
| |
| |