The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has unveiled a stunning image of a 10-billion-year-old globular cluster of stars, named NGC 6496. This celestial marvel, located approximately 35,000 light-years away from Earth, has earned the nickname “heavy metal” due to its unusually high concentration of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium, commonly known as metals.
In a post shared on Instagram, NASA highlighted the unique composition of NGC 6496, explaining that the stars within it possess a significantly higher metal content compared to other similar stellar clusters. The agency further detailed that this cluster is home to a variety of fascinating celestial objects, including long-period variables – giant pulsating stars whose brightness fluctuates over extended periods, sometimes exceeding a thousand days. Additionally, NGC 6496 features short-period eclipsing binaries, where two stars orbit each other, causing a dimming effect as one passes in front of the other.
The image of NGC 6496 has captivated the public, with many commenting on its beauty and the vastness of the universe. One user remarked, “Looks like glitter,” while another reflected, “We are dust in the universe.”
Meanwhile, NASA is facing a decision regarding the return of astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station aboard the Starliner spacecraft. The mission, which launched on June 5th, faced unexpected delays after several technical issues were detected with the Starliner capsule.
As a result, NASA is currently evaluating a range of options, including whether to return the Starliner uncrewed, bring back the astronauts on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, or postpone their return until the technical issues are resolved. Ken Bowersox, associate administrator of NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate, stated that a decision is expected to be made by the end of August, if not sooner. The original return date for Williams and Wilmore was mid-June.
