The Hubble Space Telescope has captured a striking portrayal of the globular star cluster Terzan 12, illustrating the profound impact of interstellar dust on the perception of starlight.
This captivating depiction of the globular star cluster Terzan 12 serves as a remarkable testament to the influence of cosmic dust on the luminosity emanating from celestial objects in the background.
A globular star cluster, characterized by its spherical arrangement of stars, is an assemblage held together by the force of gravity, with a higher density of stars clustered toward its core. Positioned deep within the Milky Way, in the constellation of Sagittarius, Terzan 12 is veiled by veils of gas and dust that both absorb and modify the starlight originating from within. This cluster resides approximately 15,000 light-years distant from our planet, a considerable expanse that allows for the presence of interstellar dust particles that disperse blue light, permitting only the redder wavelengths to reach Earth. The interstellar dust clouds manifest a mottled pattern, leading to variations in the observed reddishness of different sections of the cluster along our line of sight.
Prominently featured in the photograph are the most vividly red stars, which are colossal, aged giants, surpassing the size of our own Sun by many multiples. These stars are situated between Earth and the cluster, and only a limited number may actually be constituents of Terzan 12. Conversely, the most brilliant hot, blue stars visible in the image also occupy the line of sight and are not intrinsic to the cluster itself, which primarily comprises aging stars.
Terzan and Hubble’s Enduring Legacy
Terzan 12 is among the 11 globular clusters originally identified by the Turkish-Armenian astronomer Agop Terzan around half a century ago. Since its launch in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope, distinguished for its exceptional visual acuity, has catalyzed a revolution in the examination of globular clusters. Hubble’s observations have significantly contributed to our understanding of the intricate relationship between age and composition within the innermost globular clusters of the Milky Way galaxy.
The Hubble Space Telescope stands as a testament to international collaboration, jointly undertaken by NASA and ESA. The management of the telescope is overseen by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, while the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, Maryland, spearheads Hubble’s scientific operations. STScI is entrusted with NASA’s administration and operates under the auspices of the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, situated in Washington, D.C.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Terzan 12 Cluster
What is Terzan 12?
Terzan 12 is a globular star cluster located deep within the Milky Way, specifically in the constellation Sagittarius.
How does cosmic dust affect Terzan 12’s starlight?
Cosmic dust surrounding Terzan 12 absorbs and scatters starlight, causing only redder wavelengths to reach Earth. This phenomenon alters the appearance of the cluster.
What are globular star clusters?
Globular star clusters are spheroidal groups of stars bound together by gravity, with a higher concentration of stars toward the center. The Milky Way has about 150 such clusters.
Who discovered Terzan 12?
Terzan 12 was one of 11 globular clusters discovered by the Turkish-Armenian astronomer Agop Terzan around 50 years ago.
What has Hubble’s contribution been to the study of Terzan 12?
The Hubble Space Telescope has revolutionized the study of globular clusters like Terzan 12, shedding light on their age and composition within the Milky Way’s innermost regions.
5 comments
cool stuff, cosmic dust changes starlight, amazing!
what is age & composish of star cluster? Hubble knows!
Hubble telescope rocks, helps us see space secrets!
globular star clusters r so interesting, terzan 12 discovery is wow
needs more commas, but fascinating read, thanks!