Object Analysis

Messier 10 (M10) is a globular cluster in the constellation Ophiuchus. It was discovered by Charles Messier in 1764. Located 14,300 light-years from Earth, it is about 83 light-years in diameter.

M10 is relatively metal-rich for a globular cluster. However, it is depleted in carbon and oxygen, suggesting that its first generation of massive stars enriched the cluster with specific elements before exploding. The cluster has a bright, concentrated core that appears yellowish in color.

M10 orbits the Milky Way in a path that takes it through the galactic disk. This dangerous orbit strips stars from the cluster's outer layers every time it passes through, meaning M10 is slowly dissolving. It currently possesses a tidal radius of about 20 arcminutes, beyond which stars are lost to the galaxy.