NGC 5694 explained

NGC 5694
Epoch:	J2000
Class:	VII
Constellation:	Hydra
Ra:	^[1]
Dist Ly:	114,100ly
Appmag V:	10.2^[2]
Size V:	3.6
Metal Fe:	–1.74
Age:	13.44 Gyr
Names:	Caldwell 66

NGC 5694 (also known as Caldwell 66) is a globular cluster in the constellation Hydra. It was discovered in 1784 by William Herschel.

Characteristics

This globular cluster is located at a distance of 114000ly from the Sun and 96000ly from the Galactic Center^[3] and is one of the oldest known globular clusters in the Milky Way Galaxy, forming nearly 12 billion years ago.^[4]

Its chemical composition is highly peculiar, being highly (to nearly solar levels) enriched in alpha elements, suggesting an extragalactic origin before being captured by the Milky Way.

See also

• NGC 4372

Notes and References

1. NGC 5694 . 2010-12-07.
2. Web site: SEDS NGC Catalog Online . Results for NGC 5694 . 2010-12-07.
3. Harris, W.E.. 1996. A Catalog of Parameters for Globular Clusters in the Milky Way. The Astronomical Journal. 112. 1487. 10.1086/118116. 1996AJ....112.1487H.
4. Web site: NGC/IC Project . Results for NGC 5694 . 2010-12-07 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120520010558/http://www.ngcicproject.org/ngcicdb.asp . 2012-05-20.