Star Cluster: Difference between revisions

Line 65: Line 65:
The '''Orion Nebula''' (also known as Messier 42, M42, or NGC 1976) is a diffuse nebula situated in the Milky Way. It is one of the brightest nebulae and is visible to the naked eye in the night sky.  The M42 nebula is estimated to be 24 light-years across.  It is one of the most scrutinized and photographed objects in the night sky and is among the most intensely studied celestial features.  The '''Orion Nebula''' contains a very young open cluster, known as the '''Trapezium''' due to the asterism (any pattern of stars recognized in the Earth's night sky) of its primary four stars.  
The '''Orion Nebula''' (also known as Messier 42, M42, or NGC 1976) is a diffuse nebula situated in the Milky Way. It is one of the brightest nebulae and is visible to the naked eye in the night sky.  The M42 nebula is estimated to be 24 light-years across.  It is one of the most scrutinized and photographed objects in the night sky and is among the most intensely studied celestial features.  The '''Orion Nebula''' contains a very young open cluster, known as the '''Trapezium''' due to the asterism (any pattern of stars recognized in the Earth's night sky) of its primary four stars.  


The '''Trapezium''' or Orion Trapezium Cluster, also known by its Bayer designation of Theta Orionis, is a tight open cluster of stars in the heart of the Orion Nebula, in the constellation of Orion.  It is a relatively young cluster that has formed directly out of the parent nebula and may be a sub-component of the larger Orion Nebula Cluster.  
The '''Trapezium''' or Orion Trapezium Cluster, also known by its Bayer designation of Theta Orionis, is a tight open cluster of stars in the heart of the '''Orion Nebula''', in the constellation of Orion.  It is a relatively young cluster that has formed directly out of the parent nebula and may be a sub-component of the larger '''Orion Nebula Cluster'''.  


This star cluster is most readily identifiable by the asterism of four relatively bright stars for which it is named. The four are often identified as A, B, C, and D in order of increasing right ascension. The brightest of the four stars is C, or Theta Orionis C.
This star cluster is most readily identifiable by the asterism of four relatively bright stars for which it is named. The four are often identified as A, B, C, and D in order of increasing right ascension. The brightest of the four stars is C, or Theta Orionis C.
[[File:NGC 1981.png|thumb|186x186px|NGC 1981]]
[[File:NGC 1981.png|thumb|186x186px|NGC 1981]]
'''NGC 1981''' is a young, bright open cluster visible in the constellation of Orion.  It is a collection of about 20 or so stars (largely magnitudes 7 through 10) and is about 40 light years closer to Earth than the Orion Nebula.  
'''NGC 1981''' is a young, bright open cluster visible in the constellation of Orion.  It is a collection of about 20 or so stars (largely magnitudes 7 through 10) and is about 40 light-years closer to Earth than the Orion Nebula.
 
These group of clusters can be found by plotting a course to HD 36560.


'''Theta Orionis C''' can be found using the search feature on the galaxy map.
'''Theta Orionis C''' can be found using the search feature on the galaxy map.


These group of clusters can be found by plotting a course to '''HD 36560'''.
'''NGC 1981''' can be found by plotting a course to '''NGC 1981 Sector YZ-Y C11'''.  A class A Blue Supergiant can be found near this cluster by plotting a course to '''HD 37660'''.[[Category:Stars]]
 
NGC 1981 can be found by plotting a course to '''NGC 1981 Sector YZ-Y C11'''.  A class A Blue Supergiant can be found near this cluster by plotting a course to '''HD 37660'''.[[Category:Stars]]
[[Category:Celestials]]
[[Category:Celestials]]
[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Guides]]