by AZJames » Mon May 07, 2007 2:51 am
I don't think I would classify R136 as a "sexy object".
My first impression of R136 is the extreme brightness of the core of the star cluster, suggesting that stars in the core may be very close together. However, this object is 170,000 ly distant, so that light from these stars will have a substantial 'smear' factor making them appear much closer together than they actually are.
Notwithstanding, I wonder if stars in R136 might not be closer together than those in an ordinary globular cluster orbiting the MW galaxy. My reasoning incorporates the assumption that R136 is embedded within a star-forming nebula. Any comments?
Also, the APOD commentary includes the statement that R136 contains some of the largest stars known. This suggests a potential hotbed for supernovae.
I don't think I would classify R136 as a "sexy object". :shock:
My first impression of R136 is the extreme brightness of the core of the star cluster, suggesting that stars in the core may be very close together. However, this object is 170,000 ly distant, so that light from these stars will have a substantial 'smear' factor making them appear much closer together than they actually are.
Notwithstanding, I wonder if stars in R136 might not be closer together than those in an ordinary globular cluster orbiting the MW galaxy. My reasoning incorporates the assumption that R136 is embedded within a star-forming nebula. Any comments?
Also, the APOD commentary includes the statement that R136 contains some of the largest stars known. This suggests a potential hotbed for supernovae.