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Centaurus A (NGC 5128)
elliptical galaxy in Centaurus
Centaurus A is a giant elliptical galaxy crossed by a dramatic dark dust lane, the remains of a smaller galaxy that it swallowed. It is a powerful radio source, with jets of material flowing out from its core.
Save your telescope or lens on the planner to lay your camera frame over this diagram.
// Key facts
- Catalog
- NGC 5128
- Type
- elliptical galaxy
- Constellation
- Centaurus
- Size
- 26′ across
- Brightness
- Magnitude 6.8
- Distance
- about 12 million light-years
- Peak month (any location)
- Apr
- Typical prime months
- Jan to Jun
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Filter
- No filter (broadband); a light-pollution filter is optional
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How to image Centaurus A
- It is deep south (dec -43), so it is low from northern latitudes, with the best views from the southern hemisphere.
- At 26 arcminutes, 800 to 1,200 mm frames it.
- Long exposure shows the faint outer shells.
Framing: what focal length?
The focal length at which NGC 5128 spans about 60% of the long side of the sensor, leaving room around it. Treat it as a starting point; the right framing is a matter of taste.
| Sensor | Focal length |
|---|---|
| 1-inch sensor (13.2 mm) | about 1050 mm |
| APS-C (23.5 mm) | about 1860 mm |
| Full frame (36 mm) | about 2860 mm |
How high does it climb from your latitude?
The highest point NGC 5128 reaches in the sky. Above about 60° is excellent, 30° to 60° is workable, and under 30° you are looking through a lot of air.
| Latitude | Highest point | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 55°N (Scotland, Alaska) | below horizon | Never rises |
| 45°N (Minneapolis, Milan) | 2° | Stays low |
| 35°N (Los Angeles, Tokyo) | 12° | Stays low |
| 25°N (Miami, Cairo) | 22° | Stays low |
| 35°S (Sydney, Santiago) | 82° | High in the sky |
Also worth imaging
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