Globular cluster 47 Tucanae
This NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image shows a globular cluster known as NGC 104 — or, more commonly, 47 Tucanae, since it is part of the constellation of Tucana (The Toucan) in the southern sky. After Omega Centauri it is the brightest globular cluster in the night sky, hosting tens of thousands of stars.
Scientists using Hubble observed the white dwarfs in the cluster. These dying stars migrate from the crowded centre of the cluster to its outskirts. Whilst astronomers knew about this process they had never seen it in action, until the detailed study of 47 Tucanae.
Credit:NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage (STScI/AURA)-ESA/Hubble Collaboration
Acknowledgment: J. Mack (STScI) and G. Piotto (University of Padova, Italy)
About the Image
Id: | heic1510a |
Type: | Observation |
Release date: | 14 May 2015, 19:00 |
Related releases: | heic1510 |
Size: | 3359 x 3288 px |
About the Object
Name: | 47 Tucanae, NGC 104 |
Type: | Milky Way : Star : Grouping : Cluster : Globular |
Distance: | 15000 light years |
Constellation: | Tucana |
Category: | Star Clusters |
Coordinates
Position (RA): | 0 24 6.67 |
Position (Dec): | -72° 4' 52.84" |
Field of view: | 2.80 x 2.74 arcminutes |
Orientation: | North is 14.8° left of vertical |
Colours & filters
Band | Wavelength | Telescope |
---|---|---|
Ultraviolet UV | 275 nm |
Hubble Space Telescope
WFC3 |
Optical B | 475 nm |
Hubble Space Telescope
ACS |
Optical V | 606 nm |
Hubble Space Telescope
ACS |
Optical I | 814 nm |
Hubble Space Telescope
ACS |