This blizzard of stars is NGC 5139, better known
as Omega Centauri. It is the largest and brightest
globular cluster in our galaxy, 150 light years in
diameter and containing approximately 10 million
stars. Many astronomers think that Omega Centauri
began its life 12 billion years ago as the core
of a dwarf galaxy which has largely been absorbed
by the Milky Way galaxy, leaving behind this shining
center. In the southern hemisphere and under a dark
sky, Omega Centauri is easily visible to the naked eye,
and appears almost as large as the full moon. It i
15800 light years from earth.

Image data:
Camera: SBIG STXL 11002
Telescope: Planewave 17" CDK
Exposure: 1 hour each of red, green, and blue

Location: New South Wales, Australia