Star clusters

Two types of clusters can be distinguished - Open Clusters, also called galactic clusters because of their wide distribution in our galaxy, and Globular Clusters.

Thousands of open clusters have been cataloged in the Milky Way, most of which are found in the spiral arms of the galaxy. Typically, an open cluster contains from a few dozen to a thousand loosely scattered stars and exists in a region rich in gas and dust.

Globular clusters reside in the galactic halo, a spherical region surrounding the Milky Way, sparse in matter density. Globular clusters derive their name from their shape, as they are giant globes made of hundreds or thousands of stars orbiting each other.

In the vast distances of inter-galactic space, globular clusters are like shining islands to travelers. While all three major starpowers maintain outposts in globular clusters, some of them are still uncharted, and it is believed various outlaw groups and rogue regimes use them as their bases of operation.