The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has published a magnificent image of Messier 2, a globular star cluster in the constellation Aquarius.
Globular clusters contain a large number of stars. Such structures are tightly bound by gravity and orbit the galactic center as a satellite.
Unlike open star clusters, which are located in the galactic disk, globular clusters are located in the halo. Such structures have a symmetrical spherical shape, which is clearly seen in the presented image.
It should be noted that Messier 2, like other globular clusters, is characterized by an increase in the concentration of stars in the center region.
Messier 2 is estimated to have approximately 150 luminaries. The cluster is about 000 light-years away and measures 55 light-years across.
We add that Messier 2 is considered one of the most saturated and compact globular clusters.
The published image was transmitted from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. Recall that the launch of the Discovery shuttle STS-31 with the named device was carried out on April 24, 1990, that is, almost 30 years ago. It is planned to operate Hubble until at least 2025.
Source: 3dnews.ru