NGC 4147

NGC 4147 is a globular cluster located in the constellation Coma Berenices. It was discovered by William Herschel on March 14, 1784. This relatively sparse and remote globular cluster is situated at a considerable distance from the galactic center of the Milky Way, lying in the halo.

Characteristics:

• NGC 4147 is characterized by its relatively low density compared to many other globular clusters. This suggests it may be in a late stage of its dynamical evolution.

• Its distance is estimated to be around 69,600 light-years (21.3 kiloparsecs) from Earth and approximately 76,900 light-years from the Galactic Center.

• The cluster has a relatively small tidal radius, indicating that it is susceptible to tidal disruption by the Milky Way's gravitational forces.

• NGC 4147 has a prominent blue horizontal branch, indicating a population of evolved stars with varying helium-burning characteristics.

Observation:

Due to its faintness and small size, NGC 4147 requires a moderately sized telescope to be observed visually. It appears as a faint, fuzzy patch of light against the dark background of space.

Significance:

NGC 4147 provides valuable insights into the formation and evolution of globular clusters, particularly those located in the outer regions of galaxies. Studies of its stellar populations can help astronomers understand the conditions present in the early universe and the processes that led to the formation of these ancient stellar systems.