Ophion (star cluster)

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Ophion
Observation data
Distance650 ly
Physical characteristics
Associations
ConstellationOphiuchus
See also: Open cluster, List of open clusters

Ophion is a star cluster in the constellation Ophiuchus.[1] The cluster consists of over 1,000 stars at around 20 million years of age.[2] Ophion is located around 650 lightyears from Earth.[3] The cluster is separating quickly for a star cluster, in a process known as velocity dispersion.[1] As measured by Gaia, the velocity dispersion is 72,000 kilometres per hour (45,000 mph).[1] The pace of diversion was likely aided by a supernova along with galactic tides, the most common source of dispersion in star clusters.[1]

Ophion was discovered by Dylan Huson of Western Washington University[4] using data from Gaia DR3.[5]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Cooper, Keith (30 April 2025). "A thousand stars are fleeing home in a hurry, and scientists don't know why". Space.com. Retrieved 6 December 2025.
  2. ^ "Gaia spots odd family of stars desperate to leave home". European Space Agency. 29 April 2025. Retrieved 6 December 2025.
  3. ^ Ralls, Eric. "Gaia discovers a new star family named Ophion that's like no other". Earth.com. Retrieved 6 December 2025.
  4. ^ Sauers, Elisha (30 April 2025). "Scientists discover a rebellious star family defying cosmic order". Mashable. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
  5. ^ Huson, Dylan; Cowan, Indiana; Sizemore, Logan; Kounkel, Marina; Hutchinson, Brian (25 April 2025). "Gaia Net: Toward Robust Spectroscopic Parameters of Stars of all Evolutionary Stages". The Astrophysical Journal. 984 (1): 58. arXiv:2503.02958. Bibcode:2025ApJ...984...58H. doi:10.3847/1538-4357/adc2fa. ISSN 0004-637X – via IOP Science.
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