Population II Stars
Note that there are a lot more blue (hot, young) stars compared to the Globular Cluster
to the left. This cluster lies in the Disk of our Galaxy. It rotates clockwise around
the center of the Galaxy, just like the Sun and is an example of a
Population I cluster.
Recall that by the time to sun formed 5 billion years ago, previous
supernova (going off for the previous 10 billion years) had increased the
number of metals in the interstellar medium.
On the left is a picture of the Globular Cluster, M 10.
These are extremely old clusters,
which have very densely packed centers. They live in the Halo, though some are seen
in and near the Disk as they pass through to the other side. These stars are part
of the Population II stars.
Population I Stars
On the right is a picture of the Open Cluster, M 6. Note that the cluster is much, much
looser (the stars more spread out). It can not possibly be very old since the stars are
barely gravitationally bound, and will likely soon disperse, no longer being a cluster.
Which cluster has more heavy elements (C, N, O, etc) in it's Stars??
Why?