An association is a group of stars that share a common origin and are gravitationally bound for a relatively short period of time. They are less concentrated than star clusters and often disperse after several million years.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Associations typically contain young, massive stars.
They can be found in regions of active star formation.
OB associations are the most well-known type, consisting mainly of O and B-type stars.
The stars in an association move together through space, forming a loose grouping.
Associations play a crucial role in understanding the early stages of stellar evolution.
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Related terms
Star Cluster: A group of stars that are gravitationally bound and formed from the same molecular cloud.