NGC 2266: Old Cluster in the New General Catalog
Explanation:
The New General Catalog
of star clusters and nebulae really isn't so new.
In fact, it was
published in 1888 - an attempt by
J. L. E. Dreyer to consolidate the work of astronomers
William,
Caroline, and
John Herschel
along with others into a useful single, complete catalog of
astronomical discoveries and measurements.
Dreyer's work was successful and is still important today as
this famous catalog continues to lend its acronym "NGC" to
bright clusters, galaxies, and nebulae.
Take for example this star cluster known as NGC 2266
(item number 2,266 in the NGC compilation).
It lies about 10,000 light-years distant in the constellation Gemini and
represents an open or
galactic cluster.
With an age of about 1 billion years, NGC 2266 is old for a galactic
cluster.
Its evolved
red giant stars are readily
apparent
in this gorgeous
three-color image.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
