Galaxy
Centaurus A
Elliptical or lenticular galaxy · C77 · NGC 5128
Elliptical or lenticular galaxy in Centaurus
Photo: ESO · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Centaurus A is a galaxy in the constellation of Centaurus. It was discovered in 1826 by Scottish astronomer James Dunlop from his home in Parramatta, in New South Wales, Australia. There is considerable debate in the literature regarding the galaxy's fundamental properties such as its Hubble type and distance. It is the closest radio galaxy to Earth, as well as the closest BL Lac object, so its active galactic nucleus has been extensively studied by professional astronomers. The galaxy is also the fifth-brightest in the sky, making it an ideal amateur astronomy target. It is only visible from the southern hemisphere and low northern latitudes.
Description from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
In your sky
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Key facts
Distance
~16 million light-years
Apparent mag.
+7
Apparent size
25.9′ × 19.8′
Best seen with
Binoculars
Catalogue
C77 · NGC 5128
Did you know
- Listed as Caldwell 77 in the Caldwell catalogue, also known as NGC 5128.
- Found in the constellation Centaurus.
- Within reach of ordinary binoculars under dark skies.
