Messier 107 (M107) is estimated to be 13.95 billion years old.
This ancient celestial object is a globular cluster, a dense collection of stars gravitationally bound and orbiting a galactic core. Globular clusters like M107 are among the oldest known structures in the universe, providing astronomers with invaluable insights into the early history and formation of galaxies. Its estimated age places it very close to the age of the universe itself, which is approximately 13.8 billion years old.
Characteristics of Messier 107
M107, also known by several other designations, exhibits characteristics typical of very old stellar populations. Key details about Messier 107 include:
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated Age | 13.95 Gyr (billion years) |
| Metallicity | = –0.95 dex |
| Type | Globular Cluster |
| Other Designations | C 1629-129, GCl 44, M 107, NGC 6171 |
The metallicity value of –0.95 dex indicates a very low abundance of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium. This low metallicity is characteristic of ancient stars, as these heavier elements were less common in the early universe before many generations of stars had created them through stellar nucleosynthesis.
Understanding Globular Cluster Ages
The age of globular clusters is primarily determined by analyzing the stars within them, particularly their luminosity and color (or temperature). By plotting these stellar properties on a Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram, astronomers can estimate a cluster's age based on the "turn-off point," which is where stars of a certain mass begin to evolve off the main sequence as they exhaust their hydrogen fuel. The position of this turn-off point is directly related to the age of the stellar population.
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