Open Star Cluster M38
Explanation:
Open cluster
M38
can be seen with binoculars toward the
constellation of
Auriga.
M38 is considered an intermediately
rich open cluster
of stars, each of which is about 200 million years old.
Located in the disk of our Milky Way galaxy,
M38
is still young enough to house many bright blue stars,
although it's brightest star is a yellow
giant
shining 900 times brighter than our
Sun.
The cluster spans roughly 25
light-years and lies
about 4000 light-years away.
M38,
pictured above, is found only about
2.5 degrees northwest of open cluster
M36.
Loosely bound by gravity,
open clusters
spread out over time as they
orbit the galactic center and their member stars slowly escape.
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.
