The Core of Omega Centauri (NGC 5139) Lithograph and In Search of...Stellar Evolution Classroom Activity

Abstract

This Hubble Space Telescope image reveals a small region inside the massive globular cluster Omega Centauri, which boasts nearly 10 million stars. This colorful assortment of 100,000 stars residing in the crowded core of the cluster is one of the first images taken by the new Wide Field Camera 3. The accompanying classroom activity In Search of … Stellar Evolution is a curriculum support tool designed for use as an introductory inquiry activity. During the classroom activity, students use the images and text on this lithograph to generate questions about star formation. They will conduct research to answer their questions. Students will create a presentation to demonstrate their understanding of the material, providing supporting evidence from their research. Educational levels: High school, Informal education