English: Globular cluster 47 Tucanae
This NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image shows a globular cluster known as NGC 104 — or, more commonly, 47 Tucanae, since it is part of the constellation of Tucana (The Toucan) in the southern sky. After Omega Centauri it is the brightest globular cluster in the night sky, hosting tens of thousands of stars.
Scientists using Hubble observed the white dwarfs in the cluster. These dying stars migrate from the crowded centre of the cluster to its outskirts. Whilst astronomers knew about this process they had never seen it in action, until the detailed study of 47 Tucanae.
Credit:
NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage (STScI/AURA)-ESA/Hubble Collaboration
Acknowledgment: J. Mack (STScI) and G. Piotto (University of Padova, Italy)
About the Object
Distance: 15000 light years
Constellation: Tucana
Coordinates
Position (RA): 0 24 6.67
Position (Dec): -72° 4' 52.84"
Field of view: 2.80 x 2.74 arcminutes
Orientation: North is 14.8° left of vertical
Colours & filters Band Wavelength Telescope
Optical I 814 nm Hubble Space Telescope ACS
Optical V 606 nm Hubble Space Telescope ACS
Optical B 475 nm Hubble Space Telescope ACS
Ultraviolet UV 275 nm Hubble Space Telescope WFC3
.