Messier 80, a dense globular cluster, is estimated to be approximately 13.5 ± 1.0 billion years old.
Understanding Messier 80's Age
This estimated age places Messier 80 among the oldest known globular clusters, making it one of the most ancient structures within our galaxy. Its remarkable age suggests it formed in the early universe, shortly after the Big Bang, and before the formation of the Milky Way's galactic disk itself. Studying such ancient clusters provides astronomers with crucial insights into the early stages of stellar and galactic evolution.
Messier 80 is also known by its other designations, including M80, NGC 6093, and GCl 39.
Key Characteristics of Messier 80
Beyond its age, Messier 80 possesses several distinct features that contribute to its scientific importance:
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated Age | 13.5 ± 1.0 Gyr |
| Radius | 48 light-years |
| Metallicity | -1.47 dex |
The metallicity value of -1.47 dex indicates that Messier 80 has a very low abundance of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium. This is typical for ancient stellar populations, as these heavier elements (metals) are produced by successive generations of stars. Its relatively compact radius of 48 light-years highlights its dense nature as a globular cluster, where hundreds of thousands of stars are tightly bound by gravity.
Other Designations
Messier 80 is also known by the following names:
- M80
- NGC 6093
- GCl 39
