VVV CL001
One of the most metal poor globular clusters
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VVV CL001 is a globular cluster located around 8.22 kiloparsecs from Earth in the constellation of Sagittarius.[1] It is the most metal poor globular cluster discovered around the Milky Way. [2] It is an old globular cluster with an age of 11.9 billion years. VVV CL001 is likely an ancient relic that was left behind by a past galactic merger by a massive galaxy early in the evolution of the Milky Way galaxy.[2] It has a mass of 1.5×105 solar masses.[3]
| VVVCL001 | |
|---|---|
The Vista Variables in the Via Lactea (VVV) survey showing VVV CL001 located inconspicuously to the left while UKS 1 is on the right | |
| Observation data | |
| Constellation | Sagittarius |
| Right ascension | 17h 54m 37.17s |
| Declination | −24° 4' 51.34" |
| Distance | 26,800 ly (8.22 kpc) |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Estimated age | 11.9 gya |
| Notable features | One of the most metal poor globular clusters |
It may be in a physical binary with another globular cluster known as UKS 1 however it is still being decided if they are an actual binary or have similar radial velocity.[4]
Discovery
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VVV CL001 was discovered by using the VISTA Variables in the Via Lactea (VVV) survey. It has several aims such as resolving the three-dimensional structure of the Milky Way galaxy by precisely measuring the distribution of RR Lyrae, Cepheids, and red clump stars.[5] Another aim of the VVV survey is to accurately measure the physical parameters of known globular clusters and search for new ones. It was this which discovered VVV CL001.[4]