Caldwell 25, or NGC 2419, is a massive, 10th-magnitude globular cluster in the constellation Lynx. It is nicknamed the “Intergalactic Wanderer” because of its extreme distance of ~300,000 light-years from Earth. It is one of the most distant globular clusters associated with the Milky Way.
Unlike most globular clusters, studies suggest it contains two different populations of stars. One group is strangely helium-rich and is located in its core. It was once believed to be intergalactic. It was considered not bound to our galaxy. However, it is now known to be a remote member of the Milky Way’s halo.
NGC 2419 has the nickname “the Intergalactic Wanderer.” This nickname was given when it was mistakenly thought not to be in orbit around the Milky Way. Its orbit takes it farther away from the galactic center than the Magellanic Clouds. However, it can, with qualifications, be considered as part of the Milky Way. At this great distance it takes three billion years to make one trip around the galaxy.
Imaged from my driveway in the hills of western North Carolina. I use APT for session control and automation. Pixinsight is used to calibrate, debayer, align, and integrate the 150 subs involved in this image.
