NGC 5139
Globular cluster NGC 5139
= Caldwell 80),
class VIII,
in Centaurus
Omega Centauri
Right Ascension | 13 : 26.8 (h:m) |
---|---|
Declination | -47 : 29 (deg:m) |
Distance | 16.0 (kly) |
Visual Brightness | 3.68 (mag) |
Apparent Dimension | 36.3 (arc min) |
This is the biggest of all globular clusters in our
With its about 5 million solar masses, it is about 10 times as massive as other
big globulars, and has about the same mass as the smallest whole galaxies.
It is also the most luminous Milky Way globular, and the brightest
globular cluster in the sky.
In the Local Group, it is outshined only by
the brightest globular cluster G1 in the
The image in this page was obtained by David Malin with the
Anglo-Australian Telescope.
This image is copyrighted and may be used for private purpose only. For any other
kind of use, including internet mirroring and storing on CD-ROM, please contact
Coral Cooksley of the
-
More information on this image
by David MalinOmega Centauri had been listed in Ptolemy’s catalog as a star. Halley was the
first to document its nonstellar nature, and listed it as “luminous spot or
patch in Centaurus” in his historical list
of six such objects. Lacaille included it in
his catalog as number I.5.
In the SAC 110 best NGC object list.
In John Caldwell’s observing list.
Astronomical League’s Southern Sky Binocular Club list.
Last Modification: 22 Mar 1998, 21:25 MET