Object Analysis

Messier 71 (M71) is a globular cluster in the constellation Sagitta. For many years, it was a subject of intense debate among astronomers who couldn't decide if it was a very dense open cluster or a very loose globular cluster. Modern analysis of its stars' ages and compositions has finally confirmed it is a small, loose globular cluster.

M71 is located about 13,000 light-years from Earth. It lacks the dense core typical of globulars, which is why it was so easily confused with an open cluster. It is also relatively "young" for a globular cluster, at about 9 to 10 billion years old, and it is more metal-rich than the ancient clusters found in the galactic halo.

In a telescope, M71 is a beautiful sight, resolving into a fine "V" shape of stars. Because it is located in the rich star fields of the Sagitta/Cygnus region, it is surrounded by a dense background of Milky Way stars, making it look like a concentrated knot of glitter in a sea of diamonds.