For a long time, there was uncertainty over whether M 71 is
an unusually compact "open cluster", or an unusually loose
"globular cluster." Is it only since the 1970s that a consensus
has developed that M 71 is the latter. It is about 13,000 light
years from earth, and only 27 light years across, which makes it
one of the smallest of the globular clusters. It is located in the
constellation Sagitta.

Image data:
Camera: Canon 350 XT (modified)
Exposure: ISO 800, 1 minute x 24
Telescope: 10" Schmidt-Newtonian, Baader coma corrector