NGC 5139 · globular cluster

Omega Centauri

Omega Centauri is a globular cluster in the constellation of Centaurus that was first identified as a non-stellar object by Edmond Halley in 1677.

RA13h 26m 45sDec−47° 28' 36"

Image: Chuck Ayoub. CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Identity & coordinates

Identification

Primary designation: NGC 5139
All designations: NGC 5139 · Omega Centauri
Object type: Globular Cluster
Constellation: Centaurus
Best viewing: Spring

Coordinates & physical

Right ascension (J2000): 13h 26m 45s
Declination (J2000): −47° 28' 36"
Apparent magnitude (V): —
Distance: —

III

Visibility tonight

The science

Omega Centauri is a globular cluster in the constellation of Centaurus that was first identified as a non-stellar object by Edmond Halley in 1677. Located at a distance of 17,090 light-years, it is the largest known globular cluster in the Milky Way at a diameter of roughly 150 light-years. It is estimated to contain approximately 10 million stars, with a total mass of 4 million solar masses, making it the most massive known globular cluster in the Milky Way.

Summary adapted from Wikipedia · CC-BY-SA-4.0