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Object description
NGC 4372 - a large globular cluster in the constellation of the Fly (Musca)
 

 
Object description:

NGC 4372 is a large globular cluster with an apparent diameter of just under 20 arcminutes. It is classified as Type XII and has a distance of just under 19 000 light years from the solar system, which corresponds to a real diameter of about 100 light years. NGC 4372 is unique because, unlike most globular clusters in the halo of our galaxy, it contains only one stellar population, which is also very metal-poor.

The stars in NGC 4372 appear in a distinct yellow color compared to other globular clusters. The reason for this is an absorption by interstellar matter (clearly visible in our image), which stands between the solar system and the globular cluster. The absorption is on average 1.2 magnitudes and produces a distinct reddening of the stars in NGC 4372. In our image you can clearly see how the molecular cloud encloses NGC 4372 from the upper right of the image downwards. The bright blue star northwest of the globular cluster is HD 107 947, a foreground star at a distance of barely 300 light-years.The brightest stars of the cluster - red giants - reach a visual magnitude between 12.5 to magnitude class. NGC 4372 was discovered by James Dunlop on April 30, 1826.


We also have a wide field view of NGC 4372, together with another globular cluster - NGC 4833 - and the dark molecular cloud Sandqvist 149. We show the image here.


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