Globular Cluster M15
Explanation:
Stars, like bees, swarm around the center of bright
globular cluster M15.
This ball of over 100,000
stars is a relic from the
early years of
our Galaxy,
and continues to orbit the
Milky Way's center.
M15, one of about 150
globular clusters
remaining, is noted for being easily visible with only
binoculars, having at its center one of the
densest concentrations of stars known,
and containing a high abundance of unusual
variable stars and
pulsars.
The
above image, taken in
ultraviolet light with the
WIYN Telescope,
spans about 120 light years and shows the gradual
increase in stars toward the cluster's center.
M15 lies about 35,000
light years away toward the
constellation of
Pegasus.
Recent evidence indicates that a massive
black hole might reside as the
center of M15.
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.
