Messier 5, or NGC 5904, often referred to as the Rose Cluster, is a captivating globular star cluster located in the constellation Serpens. With its stunning visual appearance and rich scientific value, this celestial gem has fascinated astronomers and stargazers alike for centuries.
Messier 5 was first discovered by the German astronomer Gottfried Kirch in 1702. It is situated about 24,500 light-years away from Earth, making it one of the oldest known globular clusters in our galaxy. Its coordinates are right ascension 15h 18.6m and declination +02° 04′. To locate this mesmerizing object, one can find it within the eastern part of the Serpens constellation, positioned near the head of the celestial snake.
The Rose Cluster is an impressive collection of stars, encompassing an estimated 100,000 stars tightly bound by gravity. It spans about 165 light-years in diameter and has a total mass roughly 500,000 times that of our Sun. This globular cluster’s dense core holds a significant concentration of stars, which gradually becomes sparser towards the outer regions. Messier 5 hosts numerous variable stars, including pulsating and binary systems, making it a remarkable laboratory for stellar evolution studies.
Observing Messier 5 through a telescope reveals its true splendor. It appears as a round, bright patch with a distinctive rose-like shape, hence earning its popular moniker. The cluster’s stars exhibit a range of colors, including yellow, orange, and red. The core is particularly densely packed, displaying a glittering cluster of stars. With its captivating appearance, Messier 5 has captivated skywatchers worldwide and remains a popular target for amateur astronomers.
Beyond its aesthetic allure, the Rose Cluster holds significant scientific value. Its ancient age of around 13 billion years makes it a crucial tool for studying the formation and evolution of galaxies. Astronomers have used Messier 5 to investigate stellar dynamics, globular cluster structure, and stellar populations. The presence of pulsating variable stars provides valuable insight into stellar pulsation theories. Furthermore, studying binary systems within the cluster contributes to our understanding of stellar interactions and the evolution of stellar systems.
Messier 5, the Rose Cluster, enthralls astronomers and stargazers with its breathtaking beauty and scientific importance. As one of the oldest globular clusters in our galaxy, it serves as a celestial time capsule, shedding light on the secrets of stellar evolution and the mysteries of our vast universe, inviting us to explore and ponder the wonders of the galactic realm.
Capture Details:
Date Image captured: 4/18/2023
Telescope: Celestron Nextstar 8se
Reducer/Flattener: Celestron 0.63x
Filter: Optolong L-Pro
Camera: ZWO ASI294MC Pro (OSC)
Mount: Skywatcher EQM-35 Pro
Total Captured: 32 x 60sec
Total Time: 32 minutes
Capture Software: Nighttime Imaging ‘N” Astronomy (N.I.N.A)
Guiding: PHD2, ZWO OAG, ZWO ASI290MM mini
Processed in: PixInsight
Additional Details on Astrobin.