globular cluster

noun

: any of various approximately spherical clusters of gravitationally associated stars that typically populate galactic halos

called also globular

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The series of 1s and 0s was designed to convey simple information about humanity and biology and was sent toward the globular cluster M13.

Chris Impey, The Conversation, 29 Apr. 2022 That source turned out to be a globular cluster of stars in the nearby galaxy M81.

John Timmer, Ars Technica, 24 Feb. 2022 Based on the remaining uncertainty regarding the location of FRB 20200120E and the frequency of globular clusters within M81, the research team estimates that the chances of FRB 20200120E not being in this globular cluster is only about 1 in 10,000.

John Timmer, Ars Technica, 24 Feb. 2022 Still, if whatever funny, advanced creatures that possibly inhabit globular cluster M13, where the original primal message is headed, somehow tune in to this musical version, there just might be hope.

Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2021 Direct from Earth orbit comes this awesome image of a globular cluster called NGC 6717, which lies more than 20,000 light-years from Earth in the constellation of Sagittarius.

Jamie Carter, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2021 Back in our Milky Way galaxy, the session will also include the amazing Messier 3 globular cluster and—much closer to home—a couple of asteroids that are buzzing close to Earth.

Jamie Carter, Forbes, 14 Apr. 2021 But spring and fall are prime times for globular clusters (dense collections of ancient stars), especially on nights when bright moonlight might drown out the planets.

Erin E. Williams, Twin Cities, 24 Sep. 2019 The discovery has generated enough interest to earn the team precious time on the Hubble Space Telescope to study Dragonfly 44’s globular clusters.

Quanta Magazine, 27 Sep. 2016 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'globular cluster.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of globular cluster was in 1785

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near globular cluster

globular chart

globular cluster

Globularia

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“Globular cluster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/globular%20cluster. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.

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