Stars Young and Old . ... Credit Copyright: Roth Ritter ( Dark Atmospheres ) Explanation: Galactic or open star clusters are relatively young. ... This bright open cluster, known as M46 , is around 300 million years young and still contains a few hundred stars within its span of 30 light-years or so. ... In fact, old NGC 2438 is estimated to be only 3,000 light-years distant and moves at a different speed than M46 cluster members. ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . ...