Stars can indeed be found outside of galaxies. These stars are referred to as intergalactic stars or extragalactic stars. They are not bound to any specific galaxy and can exist in the vast regions of space between galaxies.
When observing intergalactic stars, the appearance would depend on the context and distance. Here are a few scenarios:
In the Immediate Vicinity: If intergalactic stars are relatively close to a galaxy, they may appear similar to stars within a galaxy when viewed from a distance. They would appear as individual points of light, just like stars in the night sky. However, their surroundings would lack the concentration of other stars and structures typically seen within a galaxy.
In Isolated Regions: In regions where there are no nearby galaxies, intergalactic stars would appear as solitary points of light against the dark backdrop of space. They would be relatively isolated, with vast distances separating them from other visible objects. The absence of nearby galaxies would give the observer a sense of the vastness and emptiness of intergalactic space.
In Galaxy Clusters: Some intergalactic stars can be found within galaxy clusters, which are large collections of galaxies bound by gravity. In this case, intergalactic stars may exhibit different dynamics. They can be gravitationally influenced by the cluster as a whole or interact with other galaxies and their components.
It's important to note that intergalactic stars are relatively rare compared to the stars within galaxies. Most stars are concentrated within galaxies due to the gravitational pull of the galactic structures. However, recent studies have found evidence of intergalactic stars, particularly in galaxy clusters, suggesting that they do exist beyond the confines of galaxies.
Observing and studying intergalactic stars provide valuable insights into the dynamics and distribution of stars in the universe and contribute to our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution.