Where are most of the milky way's globular clusters found?
By Srikanto Mandal
17 April, 2023
Globular clusters are spheroidal conglomeration of stars bound together by gravity.
Globular clusters are spheroidal conglomeration of stars bound together by gravity.
They have a higher concentration of stars towards their centers and can contain tens of thousands to many millions of member stars.
They have a higher concentration of stars towards their centers and can contain tens of thousands to many millions of member stars.
They were named after the Latin globulus (small sphere).
They were named after the Latin globulus (small sphere).
Omega Centauri was observed in antiquity but recognition of the true nature of globular clusters came with the advent of telescopes in the 17th century.
Omega Centauri was observed in antiquity but recognition of the true nature of globular clusters came with the advent of telescopes in the 17th century.
Globular clusters are found in nearly all galaxies, with the Milky Way having more than 150 known globulars.
Globular clusters are found in nearly all galaxies, with the Milky Way having more than 150 known globulars.
They are the largest and most massive type of star cluster, generally older, denser, and composed of lower abundances of heavy elements than open clusters.
They are the largest and most massive type of star cluster, generally older, denser, and composed of lower abundances of heavy elements than open clusters.
They are mostly found in the outer spheroidal part of spiral galaxies – the galactic halo.
They are mostly found in the outer spheroidal part of spiral galaxies – the galactic halo.
Their origin and role in galactic evolution are unclear, but they provide constraints on estimates of the universe's age.
Their origin and role in galactic evolution are unclear, but they provide constraints on estimates of the universe's age.
Most globular clusters contain stars that formed at different times or have differing compositions.
Most globular clusters contain stars that formed at different times or have differing compositions.
Some clusters may have had multiple episodes of star formation and some may be remnants of smaller galaxies captured by larger galaxies.
Some clusters may have had multiple episodes of star formation and some may be remnants of smaller galaxies captured by larger galaxies.