Messier 13, also known as the Hercules Cluster, is a globular star cluster located in the constellation Hercules. It is one of the brightest and most prominent globular clusters visible from Earth, containing around 100,000 stars. Messier 13 is approximately 22,000 light-years away and spans about 145 light-years in diameter. Discovered by Charles Messier in 1764, Messier 13 is a popular target for amateur astronomers. It can be observed with binoculars and small telescopes, appearing as a fuzzy patch of light. The cluster is estimated to be over 11 billion years old, making it one of the oldest known star clusters in our galaxy.