Astr112 Photography Projects, Fall 2007

Globular Cluster (M2) , Eric Grinwis

Messier 2, or NGC7089 is a Globular Star Cluster. Globular clusters are gravitationally bound concentrations of stars. With approximately ten thousand to one million stars in every cluster, they are spread over a volume of several tens to about 200 light years in diameter. M2 can be found within the constellation Aquarius. From Earth, its distance is 37.5 kilo light years away. It was discovered by Jean-Dominique Maraldi on September 11, 1746. Exactly 14 years later, Charles Messier independently rediscovered it. He classified it as a “nebula without stars.” Even when classifying groups of evident stars not everyone is perfect.

M2 contains about 150,000 stars and is more compact than other Globular Clusters with class II density classification. The linear size of this Cluster is 110 by 100 light years. M2’s brightest stars are red and yellow giants. Although M2 is quite difficult to view with the naked eye under normal conditions, with an optical aid like binoculars, it becomes an easily visible target displaying God’s magnificent beauty.

References:
"Messier Object 2".Students for the Exploration and Development of Space. <http://www.seds.org/messier/m/m002.html>.

"Globular Star Clusters". Students for the Exploration and Development of Space. <http://seds.lpl.arizona.edu/messier/glob.html>