A Typical Globular Cluster (Image Below)is Composed of 500,000 Stars $\approx$

question 76

Essay

A typical globular cluster (image below)is composed of 500,000 stars in a sphere whose radius is approximately 15 light-years.The distance between stars in a globular cluster is given approximately by d $\approx$ r/N^1/3,where r is the radius and N is the number of stars in the cluster.Calculate this distance,and determine how many times smaller it is than the typical distance between stars in the solar neighborhood,which is 3 light-years.

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Definitions:

Retinal Image

The projection of visual stimuli on the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, forming the basis for visual perception.

More Distant

Being further away in terms of physical distance or emotional closeness.

Same Size

A principle or perception where objects are understood to maintain constant size, despite changes in their distance from the observer.

Retinal Disparity

The slight difference in the images projected on our two retinas because of the different angles of viewing, providing a cue for depth perception.