VST image of the giant globular cluster Omega Centauri*

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The second released VST image may be the best portrait of the globular star cluster Omega Centauri ever made. Omega Centauri, in the constellation of Centaurus (The Centaur), is the largest globular cluster in the sky, but the very wide field of view of VST and its powerful camera OmegaCAM can encompass even the faint outer regions of this spectacular object. This view includes about 300 000 stars. The data were processed using the VST-Tube system developed by A. Grado and collaborators at the INAF-Capodimonte Observatory.

Credit:

ESO/INAF-VST/OmegaCAM. Acknowledgement: A. Grado/INAF-Capodimonte Observatory

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About the Image

Id:	eso1119b
Type:	Observation
Release date:	8 June 2011, 12:00
Related releases:	eso1119
Size:	14540 x 14540 px

About the Object

Name:	NGC 5139, Omega Centauri
Type:	• Milky Way : Star : Grouping : Cluster : Globular • Star Clusters
Distance:	17000 light years

Mounted Image

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Coordinates

Position (RA):	13h 26m 47.27s
Position (Dec):	-47° 28' 46.34"
Field of view:	50.88 x 50.88 arcminutes
Orientation:	North is 0.0° left of vertical

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Colours & filters

Band	Wavelength	Telescope
Optical G	480 nm	VLT Survey Telescope OmegaCAM
Optical R	625 nm	VLT Survey Telescope OmegaCAM
Infrared I	770 nm	VLT Survey Telescope OmegaCAM