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Omega Centauri: The Brightest Globular Cluster in the Milky Way

Omega Centauri, or NGC 5139, is a large globular cluster located within the constellation of Centaurus. This object was first identified as a non-stellar object by Edmond Halley in 1677. It is the largest globular cluster in our galaxy, and is located roughly 15,800 light years away, with a diameter 150 light-years. It is an incredibly bright object, containing approximately 10 million stars which allow it to be seen visually without optical aid.

 

With an apparent magnitude of 3.9, it can be imaged from under light polluted skies. This image was taken from the suburbs of Melbourne Australia, under 83-65 percent full moon.

 

Telescope: 10 inch RCOS fl 9.1 / 2306 mm

Camera: SBIG STL-11000m

Mount: Astro-Physics Mount AP-900

Imaging Dates: 24-29 of May 2016

Calibration Software: CCDStack

Processing Software: Photoshop 6

Filters Used: Astrodon LRGB

 

Terry Robison

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Uploaded on June 4, 2016
Taken on June 4, 2016