| Classification: |
Globular cluster; (Vlll) A spherical collection of stars that orbits a galactic core as a satellite. |
| Constellation: |
Centaurus (CEN) |
| Object Location: |
Ra 13h 27m 40s Dec -47° 33’2 (current) |
| Size & Distance: |
55.0 x 55.0 Apx 15,800 light-years. |
|
| Date & Location: |
5-11-2013 Little Blair Valley, CA |
| Exposure: |
LRGB L= 10 @ 30sec. RGB 10ea. @ 60sec. (bin 1x1) |
| Optics: |
Takahashi Epsilon 210 f/3 630mm |
| Mount: |
Astro-Physics 1200 GTO / ATS 10 x 36 Pier. |
| Camera: |
SBIG-ST10XME @-10c / PDF focuser |
| Filters: |
Astrodon Gen2 LRGB |
| Software: |
MaxImDL 5.45, Photoshop CS5 |
|
| Notes: |
Sky conditions: Good seeing, Light winds, Temp 71°
Image Field of view is 54 x 80 arcmin.
_______________________________________________
Omega Centauri or NGC 5139, is a globular cluster in the constellation of Centaurus that
was discovered by Edmond Halley in 1677. Located at a distance of 15,800 light-years,
it is the largest globular cluster in the Milky Way galaxy at a diameter of roughly 150 light-years.
It is estimated to contain approximately 10 million stars and a total mass equivalent to 4 million suns..
Omega Centauri is so distinctive from the other galactic globular clusters that it is thought to
have an alternate origin as the core remnant of a disrupted dwarf galaxy.
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