| Ophion | |
|---|---|
| Observation data | |
| Distance | 650 ly |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Associations | |
| Constellation | Ophiuchus |
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]