globular cluster

noun

Definition of globular cluster

: any of various approximately spherical clusters of gravitationally associated stars that typically populate galactic halos — called also globular

Recent Examples of globular cluster from the Web

The point sources proved to be 10 globular clusters—compact and spherical groupings of stars, orbiting the galaxy’s core.

— rebecca boyle, Scientific American, "Astronomers Boggle at Distant Galaxy Devoid of Dark Matter," 28 Mar. 2018
The scopes detected 10 compact groups of these stars, also known as globular clusters, within the galaxy, according to a press release from Gemini.

— jason daley, Smithsonian, "Scientists Thought All Galaxies Had Dark Matter, but They Just Found One Without It," 30 Mar. 2018
The researchers simulated 24 globular clusters, ranging in size from 200,000 to 2 million stars, to study the interactions within them during the course of 12 billion years, the statement said.

— elise takahama, BostonGlobe.com, "Black holes can multiply on their own in massive star clusters, MIT researchers say," 11 Apr. 2018
Using information from the Keck telescopes, the team found the globular clusters were moving much slower than expected.

— rebecca boyle, Scientific American, "Astronomers Boggle at Distant Galaxy Devoid of Dark Matter," 28 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'globular cluster.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.