NASA · Space

Globular Star Cluster Omega Centauri

Omega Centauri, also known as NGC 5139, is the largest and brightest of the Milky Way's globular clusters, containing approximately 10 million stars.

This dense cluster, about 150 light-years in diameter and located 15,000 light-years away, hosts stars significantly older than our Sun. Unlike typical star clusters, Omega Centauri displays diverse stellar populations with varying ages and chemical compositions, suggesting it might be the core remnant of a merged dwarf galaxy.

Telescopic views reveal its red giant stars, which have a yellowish hue. Recent Hubble Space Telescope observations over two decades have provided evidence for a massive black hole at the cluster's center.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.