Friday, May 6, 2011

APOD 4.6

Globular Cluster M15 from Hubble

This photograph of globular cluster M15 captured over 100,000 stars spanning about 120 light-years, all surrounding around the center of the cluster.  It is in the direction of the constellation Pegasus.  This particular cluster of stars happens to be the relic of our very own galaxy, the Milky Way.  M15 is noted for being easily visible with only binoculars because it has one of the densest concentration of stars at its center.  It also contains an abundance of variable stars and pulsars, contributing to its visibility.  It is one of only 150 globular clusters left.  Hubble Telescope took this image.  Recent evidence shows that there may possibly be a black hole in the center of M15!!

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