Aanzicht van de Herculesbolhoop before 1887

"Aanzicht van de Herculesbolhoop" is a photographic print by the French photographic duo Henry Frères, taken before 1887. The image showcases the Hercules Globular Cluster, a spherical collection of stars located in the constellation Hercules. This photograph, measuring 131 mm by 81 mm, captures the cluster's mesmerizing, dense core surrounded by a field of scattered stars, providing a glimpse into the vastness of the cosmos. This early photographic documentation of the cluster represents a significant contribution to the field of astronomical photography, furthering scientific understanding of the universe's celestial objects.