Milky Way Globular Clusters Catalog with 157 Objects (2010 Edition)

The Milky Way Globular Clusters Catalog (December 2010 Version) is a compilation of parameters for 157 objects classified as globular clusters, compiled by William E. Harris of McMaster University. It contains basic parameters on distances, velocities, metallicities, luminosities, colors, and dynamical parameters. This version is the first major update since 2003 and was last updated by NASA HEASARC in February 2014.

Use Cases

• Modeling galactic formation history based on cluster metallicities and distances.
• Analyzing stellar dynamics based on central velocity dispersion and other dynamical parameters.
• Studying the spatial distribution of clusters based on updated coordinates.
• Correlating cluster properties like luminosity and color with evolutionary models.

Strengths

• Contains 157 objects, providing a substantial sample of Milky Way globular clusters.
• Major upgrades were made to cluster coordinates, metallicities, and structural profile parameters.
• Includes a new parameter, central velocity dispersion, not in earlier versions.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data is based on a 2010 compilation; newer discoveries are not included.

Provenance

Source

William E. Harris, McMaster University, compiled and maintained; NASA HEASARC hosts the table.

Collection Method

Compiled from published literature and preprints, as described in the catalog's reference file.

Time Range

Catalog version reflects data current as of December 2010.

Freshness

Last updated 2026 03 13 20:13:48.859089; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Covers globular clusters within the Milky Way galaxy.