M75 | NGC 6864 | Globular Cluster | Sagittarius | 67,500 Light Years Away
Messier 75 is a globular star cluster situated in the constellation Sagittarius, and it was first discovered by the French astronomer Pierre Méchain in 1780. Charles Messier later included it in his catalog, solidifying its designation as Messier 75. Positioned approximately 67,500 light-years away from Earth, this globular cluster is part of the Milky Way galaxy.
Comprising hundreds of thousands of stars, Messier 75 exhibits a concentrated core where stars are densely packed due to gravitational forces. The stars within this globular cluster are quite old, with an estimated age exceeding 13 billion years. As is typical for globular clusters, Messier 75 lacks the distinct spiral arms seen in some other types of galaxies, presenting a spherical and symmetrical structure.
Observations of Messier 75 contribute to our understanding of globular clusters, providing insights into the dynamics and evolution of stars in these ancient stellar communities. The study of globular clusters helps astronomers unravel the complexities of galactic evolution and offers clues about the conditions prevailing in the early universe. Messier 75, with its distinct characteristics and position in the Sagittarius constellation, adds to the ongoing exploration of globular clusters within the vast cosmic landscape.