Globular cluster Omega Centauri, the Sunflower Galaxy, and spiral galaxy NGC 5308

April 28-May 5, 2011: Globular cluster Omega Centauri and the Sunflower Galaxy make nice targets for small-telescope owners, while the spiral galaxy NGC 5308 awaits large-telescope owners.

Published: April 28, 2011

The constellation Centaurus contains the nearest star system to our own — the spectacular double star Alpha (α) Centauri — and notable galaxies like Centaurus A. For amateur astronomers, however, the biggest draw to this area is the sky’s top globular cluster — Omega Centauri.

Photo by Astronomy: Roen Kelly

Each week, Astronomy magazine Senior Editor Michael E. Bakich, a master at explaining how to observe, posts a podcast about three objects or events you can see in the sky.

Targets for April 28-May 5, 2011
Small-telescope: Globular cluster Omega Centauri
Small-telescope: Sunflower Galaxy
8-inch or larger telescope: Spiral galaxy NGC 5308

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