Astronomers Find Four Separate Generations of Stars in ‘Globular Cluster’ Terzan 5
Astronomers using the James Webb and Hubble space telescopes have identified four distinct generations of stars within the globular cluster Terzan 5. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the formation history of such stellar systems.
Why it matters
Understanding the complex formation history of star clusters provides deeper insight into the evolution and assembly of the Milky Way galaxy.
A globular cluster typically has only one ancient star population. New data from the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope and the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope not only confirm the existence of two distinct populations of stars in the ancient stellar system Terzan 5, once classified as a globular cluster, but also provides evidence for two more recent rounds of star formation.
The article is a purely scientific report based on astronomical data and research findings.
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