Messier 62 (M62) is a fascinating globular star cluster situated in the constellation Ophiuchus, close to its border with Scorpius. Known as the “Flickering Globular Cluster,” this nickname reflects the cluster’s irregular variability in brightness, adding intrigue to its observation.
Age and Composition
Globular clusters like M62 are among the oldest structures in the Milky Way galaxy, formed from massive clouds of gas and dust in the universe’s early history. These clusters are bound by their stars’ mutual gravitational attraction, creating a densely packed, roughly spherical structure.
M62 spans approximately 14 arcminutes in the sky, corresponding to a physical diameter of about 100 light-years. The cluster contains hundreds of thousands of stars, tightly concentrated near its core. The stellar population is predominantly ancient, with a significant number of red giants, which are characteristic of older globular clusters.
Astronomers estimate M62’s age to be around 12.8 billion years, ranking it among the oldest known globular clusters. It is located roughly 22,200 light-years from Earth, nestled within the dense star fields of the Milky Way’s galactic bulge.
Magnitude
With an apparent magnitude of approximately 6.5, M62 is too faint to be visible to the naked eye but can be spotted with binoculars under dark-skies. Through binoculars, it appears as a faint, diffuse patch of light, while small to medium telescopes resolve its nature as a globular cluster. Observers with larger telescopes may distinguish individual stars near its dense core, enhancing its visual appeal.
Observation
M62 is best observed from the Southern Hemisphere, where the constellation Ophiuchus rises higher in the sky. Its position makes it particularly accessible during the May to August period, coinciding with winter in the Southern Hemisphere. During these months, the cluster is optimally positioned for viewing in the late evening or around midnight.
Messier 62’s dense core and rich stellar population make it a rewarding target for amateur astronomers, offering a glimpse into the ancient history of our galaxy. Its irregular brightness variations further distinguish it as one of the more unique globular clusters to observe.
