Object Information                                            Imaging Details

Omega Centauri (NGC 5139) is without a doubt the finest globular cluster in the night sky. Located in the Southern constellation, Centaurus, the magnitude 3.7 cluster contains over a million stars. It is brighter and more massive than many dwarf galaxies, and spans an area larger than the full moon. The cluster was discovered by Edmont Halley in 1677.

NGC 5139's Southern location (declination -47° 29s) allows obseving from only the Southernmost US states. It is easily visible by naked eye and looks impressive in binoculars. In a modest telescope, the view is breathtaking with countless stars resolving.

Dave Dockery suggested that I make a movie of the cluster rising at the 2010 Texas Star Party. Several approaches were taken (tracking the cluster, stationary, various exposure lengths). In the end, all approaches were combined.

Clicking the above image will bring up a larger, wider field image, or click here to see the animation.