2MASS-GC02
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2MASS-GC02, also known as Hurt 2, is a globular cluster at a distance of about 16 thousand light-years from Earth in the constellation Sagittarius. It was discovered in 2000 by Joselino Vasquez together with globular cluster 2MASS-GC01 and a spiral galaxy 2MASXI J0730080-220105,[4] and confirmed by a team of astronomers under the leadership of R. J. Hurt at 2MASS.[2]
| 2MASS-GC02 | |
|---|---|
2MASS-GC02, imaged by Hubble Space Telescope | |
| Observation data (J2000 epoch) | |
| Class | IV |
| Constellation | Sagittarius |
| Right ascension | 18h 09m 36.5s[1] |
| Declination | −20° 46′ 44″[1] |
| Distance | 16.0 kly (4.9 kpc) |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | 24.60[2] |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Absolute magnitude | −4.86[2] |
| Radius | 0.95′ × 0.95′[2] |
| Metallicity | [Fe/H] = −1.08[3] dex |
| Other designations | Hurt 2 |
The globular cluster 2MASS-GC02 is not in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, due to interstellar extinction, but was spotted in infrared light. It is located at a distance of 10.4 thousand light years from the center of the Milky Way.[2] Due to its trajectory, it has a negative radial velocity meaning it is approaching the Solar System, but its radial velocity is unclear. The radial velocity was originally put at −238 km/s,[5] but a newer analysis determined it to be −87 km/s; a 150 km/s difference.[6]