See Also: globular cluster(encyclopedia)
globular(dictionary)
Globular(medicine)
globular(dictionary)
globular heart(medicine)
globular leukocyte(medicine)
globular process(medicine)
globular sputum(medicine)
globular thrombus(medicine)
Globular protein(medicine)

globular cluster (sh)




Any large group of old, Population II (see Populations I and II) stars closely packed in a symmetrical, somewhat spherical form.

About 150 have been identified in the Milky Way Galaxy. Most are distributed in a spherical volume above and below the Galaxy's disk (see galactic halo). Globular clusters contain many more stars (10,000-1,000,000) than open clusters do and can be several hundred light-years in diameter. Because they are so distant from the solar system, most are not visible to the unaided eye. Omega Centauri and a few others can be seen without a telescope as hazy patches of light.