Star Clusters and Asterisms
Other Astronomical Objects
Star clusters
A star cluster is a region ...
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A star cluster is a region of significantly increased stellar density compared to the surrounding area of a galaxy.
A globular cluster is a specific type of star cluster consisting of a large number of stars arranged in a spherical distribution around a common center of mass.
These clusters are held together by gravity and are typically located outside the plane of a galaxy—most often in the halo region surrounding spiral galaxies. Globular clusters possess the following characteristic features:
The Pleiades—also known as Messier 45 or the Seven Sisters—is arguably the most famous open star cluster. It belongs to the constellation Taurus and is visible in the sky from autumn until approximately February. Info:
Subaru is the Japanese name for the Pleiades open star cluster. The brand name and logo of the Japanese automaker are based on this star cluster, with the six visible stars symbolizing the merger of five companies to form Fuji Heavy Industries (now Subaru Corporation).
Wikipedia: Star Cluster
Wikipedia: Constellation
A globular cluster is a specific type of star cluster consisting of a large number of stars arranged in a spherical distribution around a common center of mass.
These clusters are held together by gravity and are typically located outside the plane of a galaxy—most often in the halo region surrounding spiral galaxies. Globular clusters possess the following characteristic features:
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Compact spherical shape
The stars in a globular cluster are densely packed and form a nearly spherical structure. The stars are relatively close to one another compared to the average distances between stars in a galaxy.
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High stellar density
Globular clusters can contain hundreds of thousands or even millions of stars concentrated within a relatively small volume. This high stellar density is one of the reasons why globular clusters can appear so striking and impressive in the sky.
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Old Stars
Most stars in a globular cluster are very old. They are among the oldest stars in the universe and were often formed at a time when galaxies were still in the process of formation.
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Small amounts of interstellar gas and dust
Unlike younger star clusters, globular clusters contain only small amounts of interstellar gas and dust. This is because these materials have, over time, been consumed by the stars or expelled from the cluster.
The Pleiades—also known as Messier 45 or the Seven Sisters—is arguably the most famous open star cluster. It belongs to the constellation Taurus and is visible in the sky from autumn until approximately February. Info:
Subaru is the Japanese name for the Pleiades open star cluster. The brand name and logo of the Japanese automaker are based on this star cluster, with the six visible stars symbolizing the merger of five companies to form Fuji Heavy Industries (now Subaru Corporation).
Wikipedia: Star Cluster
Wikipedia: Constellation
Asterisms
In astronomy, an asterism is...
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In astronomy, an asterism is a prominent group or pattern of stars that forms a recognizable shape for observers on Earth, yet is not among the 88 officially defined constellations.
An asterism may be part of a constellation—such as the Big Dipper within the constellation Ursa Major—and may even span across multiple constellations, like the Summer Triangle, which is formed by the three bright stars Deneb, Altair, and Vega.
Wikipedia: Asterism (astronomy)
