Encyclopedia.com > Dictionaries, Thesauruses, Pictures, and Press Releases > A Dictionary of Astronomy > January 1997

Omega Centauri

A Dictionary of Astronomy | 1997 | 451 words | Copyright

Omega Centauri The brightest globular cluster in the sky, of apparent magnitude 3.7 and width 0°.6, in Centaurus. It is also known as NGC 5139. Omega Centauri is markedly elliptical in shape, with a short axis only 80% the length of its long axis. Its actual diameter is about 180 l.y., and it is the most luminous globular known, with an absolute magnitude of −10.3. At a distance of 17 000 l.y., it is one of the closest globulars to us.

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

"Omega Centauri." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"Omega Centauri." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-OmegaCentauri.html

"Omega Centauri." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-OmegaCentauri.html

Learn more about citation styles

Find thousands of answers for hundreds of subjects at Answers Encyclopedia .

All answers verified by trusted sources at Encyclopedia.com

Try Answers Encyclopedia now!

For students and teachers!

Encyclopedia.com provides students and teachers facts, information, and biographies from verified, citable sources, including:

Encyclopedia.com provides students and teachers facts, information, and biographies from verified, citable sources, including: