NGC 4372, also designated as Caldwell 108, is a prominent globular cluster situated within the southern constellation of Musca. This celestial object was first cataloged by the astronomer James Dunlop on April 30, 1826. NGC 4372 lies in the outer regions of the Milky Way’s galactic plane, southwest of the γ Muscae (Gamma Muscae).

Research conducted by Kacharov et al (2014), it has been determined that the ratio between the amplitude of rotation and central velocity dispersion to be 0.26 ± 0.07 which is relatively high for the cluster due to its low metallicity and old age. Such finding suggest that NGC 4372 has retained its rotational motion compared to other cluster with similar metallicity and age. It was also found during the research that NGC 4372 is flattened in the direction of its internal rotation.

 

In order to study NGC 4372 and investigate the relationship between the colors, brightness, and the age and chemical composition of the cluster as a whole, I collected 15 images using Skynet telescopes, out of which 5 90 second images were taken using a B filter, 5 60 second images were taken using a V filter and another 5 60 second images were taken using R filter. I used Afterglow and Cluster Astromancer to analyze data and to plot graphs. From my study I concluded :

Classification : Globular

Star count : 1940

Mass : 268931.61

Physical radius : 25.696

RA : 186.46

Dec : -72.66

Velocity Dispersion : 0.138882

Distance : 5.82 kpc

log age : 10.1

Metallicity -2.1

E(B-V) : 0.46

Following Graphs show casing different aspects : –

Under are the color image which was synthesized from individual B, V, and R band images.

There are a few blue stragglers present in the cluster. It is believed that the blue stragglers are a result of collision between stars or other stellar interactions.

This cluster project has been the greatest experience I have had to date and has given me an unmatched sense of satisfaction.