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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