NGC 6362

NGC 6362 is a globular cluster located in the constellation Ara. It was discovered by James Dunlop in 1826.

Characteristics:

NGC 6362 is a relatively loose and metal-poor globular cluster, meaning it contains a lower abundance of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium compared to other globular clusters. It is located approximately 25,000 light-years away from Earth. Its apparent magnitude is around 8.6, making it visible through binoculars or a small telescope under dark skies. The cluster has a core radius of approximately 1.4 parsecs and a tidal radius of about 18 parsecs.

Stellar Population:

The cluster contains a significant population of blue straggler stars, which are stars that appear younger and bluer than other stars in the cluster with similar luminosities. These stars are thought to form through stellar collisions or mass transfer in binary systems. The color-magnitude diagram of NGC 6362 shows a well-defined horizontal branch, indicating a relatively uniform age for the cluster's stars.

Observation:

NGC 6362 is best observed from the Southern Hemisphere. It appears as a hazy patch of light with a concentration of stars towards the center. Higher magnification reveals individual stars within the cluster. Due to its low central concentration, it is considered a relatively easy globular cluster to resolve into individual stars with moderate-sized telescopes.