Ancient stars dazzle in a celestial chandelier | Space photo of the day for Aug. 21, 2026
Stars scattered across the cosmos sparkle in the appropriately named Chandelier Cluster.
The Chandelier Cluster, also known as globular cluster NGC 6723, was captured by the Hubble Space Telescope. This stunning image showcases the twinkling array of individual stars that make up the cluster. Located 27,000 light-years away within our Milky Way galaxy, the Chandelier Cluster is a mesmerizing cosmic chandelier adorned with countless stars.
Globular clusters are renowned for housing some of the oldest stars in the galaxy, with a few dating back as far as 10 billion years. These clusters consist of tens of thousands to millions of stars, making them particularly impressive. In our Milky Way galaxy alone, there are approximately 150 known globular clusters. The Chandelier Cluster's visibility is attributed to its sheer size and abundance of stars, which makes it easier to spot even with binoculars or a modest telescope.
Discovered in 1826 by British astronomer James Dunlop, the Chandelier Cluster resides in the constellation Sagittarius near Corona Australis. For stargazers, astrophotographers, or casual skywatchers, this celestial treasure can be observed nestled among these neighboring constellations.
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