M13, also known as the Hercules Cluster, is a globular cluster located in the constellation of Hercules. It is one of the brightest and most well-known globular clusters, containing hundreds of thousands of stars. M13 is approximately 25,000 light-years away from Earth and has an estimated age of around 13 billion years, making it one of the oldest known star clusters.
Discovered by Charles Messier in 1764, M13 is a popular target for amateur astronomers due to its visibility and beauty. It can be observed with binoculars or small telescopes, appearing as a fuzzy patch of light in the night sky. The cluster is a fascinating example of stellar evolution and the dynamics of star systems.