Open clusters

Definition

Open clusters are groups of stars that were formed from the same molecular cloud and are gravitationally bound. They typically contain a few hundred to a few thousand stars and can be found in the disk of the Milky Way galaxy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Open clusters are younger than globular clusters, often less than a few hundred million years old.
2. They are located primarily in the spiral arms of galaxies.
3. Open clusters can disperse over time as individual stars escape due to gravitational interactions.
4. The Pleiades and Hyades in the constellation Taurus are well-known examples of open clusters.
5. Studying open clusters helps astronomers understand stellar formation and evolution.

Review Questions

• What distinguishes an open cluster from a globular cluster?
• Why are open clusters important for studying stellar evolution?
• Can you name two well-known open clusters?

Related terms

Globular Cluster: Dense, spherical collections of older stars, usually found in the halo of a galaxy.

Stellar Evolution:

The process by which a star changes over time, including formation, main sequence phase, and eventual death.

Molecular Cloud:

A cold, dense region of gas and dust where new stars are born.