Observer's guide
About Omega Centauri
Omega Centauri (C80) is catalogued as a globular cluster in Centaurus. Its J2000 position is RA 13:26:47, Dec -47:28:46, corresponding to 201.697 degrees RA and -47.4795 degrees Dec. The local catalogue places it about 17,000 light-years away. Its referenced angular extent is approximately 36.3 by 36.3 arcminutes.
Observing tips
StarWatchr rates this as a very easy target at magnitude 3.7. It is associated with spring observing, with midnight placement typically strongest around April. From 52 degrees north its theoretical meridian altitude is about 0 degrees; local horizons and the live altitude chart determine the practical window.
Its brightness makes it a practical binocular or small-telescope candidate when it is well above the horizon.
What to expect
The SIMBAD classification for the matched source is GlC. A published radial velocity value is 232.7 km/s. The SIMBAD record currently connects it to 3717 bibliographic references.
Its roughly 36.3 arcminute span suits a medium field of view. Use the listed 36.3 by 36.3 arcminute extent to check framing, and treat catalogue magnitude as integrated brightness rather than a direct measure of visual contrast.
