In the northwest skies of the constellation Serpens Caput lies NGC 5904, also known as M5. Discovered in 1702 by German astronomer Gottfried Kirch during a comet observation, this globular cluster has intrigued astronomers for centuries. William Herschel was the first to resolve individual stars in the cluster in 1791, counting roughly 200. Messier 5 is receding from the Solar System at a speed of over 50 km/s.More recently, it has also become known for hosting a rare dwarf nova, offering a unique spectacle within its densely packed stars. As one of the oldest known globular clusters in our galaxy, NGC 5904 offers a window into the early stages of galaxy formation and evolution.

Research Methodology

I embarked on comprehensive research to delve deeper into NGC 5904’s properties and investigate its relationship with colors, brightness, age, and chemical composition. Utilizing PROMT-MO, I collected 15 images across various filters (B, V, R). Additional imaging parameters were meticulously calibrated using Skynet, Afterglow, and Cluster Astromancer.

Using the B, V, and R filters shown below, I was able to create an apparent tri-color image of NGC 5904

To form an apparent image:

And reddened image :

I found these primary results about distance, proper motion…etc. More information can be found here.

 

Key Findings and Insights

Through my analysis, I uncovered fascinating insights into the nature of NGC 5904. Notable discoveries include the presence of blue stragglers, indicative of recent star formation events within the cluster. One notable challenge was the complexity of analyzing a globular cluster with such a diverse and densely packed stellar population. NGC 5904’s ancient age and vast size posed logistical challenges for imaging and data analysis, requiring careful calibration and processing techniques to extract meaningful information.

NGC 5904 was studied by Kharchenko et al. (2013), who found parameters. Using these parameters, we can compare the difference between the Gaia data I found and what Kharchenko found. The parameters I found were the following:

 

 

 

Using Kharchenko’s values (row 2424), these graphs were produced.

Kharchenko’s values are slightly different, and I would say more accurate, than mine. The biggest difference was the distance of 7.501 compared to my distance of 9.8.

Reflection 

Reflecting on my project studying NGC 5904, I feel satisfied. Navigating through the complexities of this ancient globular cluster was challenging but rewarding. I learned much about its stars, like blue stragglers and millisecond pulsars, which fascinated me. This journey has deepened my love for astronomy and inspired me to keep exploring the wonders of the universe.