Omega Centauri (ω Cen, NGC 5139, or Caldwell 80) is a
globular cluster in the
constellation of
Centaurus that was first identified as a non-stellar object by
Edmond Halley in 1677. It is very different from most other galactic globular clusters to the extent that it is thought to have originated as the core remnant of a disrupted
dwarf galaxy.
The cluster is located at a distance of ~17,090 light-years (5,240
parsecs). With a diameter of roughly 150 light-years, and containing approximately 10 million stars with an estimated total mass of 4 million
solar masses, it the largest and most massive known globular cluster in the Milky Way. The stars in the core of the cluster are so crowded that the estimated average separation is only 0.1 light-years.
Omega Centauri is one of the few globular clusters visible to the naked eye, appearing almost as large as the full
Moon when viewed under dark skies.
Data acquired using iTelescope's system T75 located at Deep Sky Chile, Rio Hurtado Valley, Chile
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