Globular Cluster · Centaurus

C80 Omega Centauri

Magnitude
3.7
Season
Spring
Difficulty
Very Easy
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Omega Centauri (C80) Globular Cluster

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.

Sourced catalogue data

Scientific record

Measurements for C80 are kept separate from practical observing guidance.

Coordinates (J2000/ICRS)
RA 201.6970° · Dec -47.479472°
SIMBAD classification
GlC
Angular extent
36.3′ × 36.3′
Position angle
90°
Radial velocity
232.7 km/s
Redshift
0.00077651
Linked bibliography
3,717 references
Best midnight placement
April
Observable latitude range
-90° to 42.5°

Source: SIMBAD astronomical database (CDS, Strasbourg) (ODbL; checked 2026-08-09). Catalogue values may change when new measurements are published.

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24-hour altitude profile

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