Among its other attractions, the Milky Way is peppered with about 150 globular clusters: round concentrations of stars that have existed since the galaxy was young.

This sculpture is a many-body simulation tuned to match M13, a famous cluster in Hercules.  Among its stars there's a sprinkle of larger points representing red giants and horizontal branch stars, showing their concentration near the cluster's center.

In 1974, M13 was selected as a target for one of the first radio messages addressed to possible extra-terrestrial beings, sent by the Arecibo radio telescope.  If anyone is there when it arrives 26,000 years from now, they are living under a skyful of stars as bright as our moon.

Globular Cluster, 60mm glass cube – $35

Without illumination the crystal works best on a dark background.  It comes with clear rubber feet to avoid scratching your desk or mantel. On the left, this base lights up your stars!  It's glossy black with white LEDs that are cool, long-lasting and energy-efficient.  Bright enough for the office by day, or a brilliant nightlight. Light base – $20