The Hunt for Red Omega

For the second year in a row, we will try to see Omega Centauri from Canadian soil. This month and next are optimal times to see the Great Omega Centauri, probably the finest globular cluster of all. To view this elusive object we will be traveling great distances (up to 6 hours) to set up camp near Point Pelee, the southern most part of Canada. At this spot Omega Centauri will reach a maximum altitude of 1.5 degrees, remaining in view for about 40 minutes. For our friends "down-under" will attest, Omega Centauri is normally a bright object of magnitude 3.7, but at only 1.5 degrees above the horizon, it will only shine at 6.3 (assuming the atmosphere is transparent and steady). Since this object is a very compact, it should be quite do-able in any scope over 6".

While waiting for this great globular to clear the lake, we will be checking out another spectacular object, Centaurus 'A' or NGC 5128. This is that bizarre looking elliptical galaxy with a dark dust lane obscuring its center, something very rare for ellipticals, if not unique. The Australian magnitude for thus object is 7.5. Luckily, this object reached 6 degrees above Lake Erie, and should appear about 9th magnitude. Both of these objects will be a challenge and should be a lot of fun. This year the dates for this expedition will occur on the first clear night (with a reasonable change of staying clear) of:

Saturday April 13 - Omega Centauri rises at 12:25 pm EDT, long before the moon
Saturday April 20 - Omega Centauri rises at 11:58 pm EDT
Saturday May 11 - Omega Centauri rises at 10:35 pm EDT, long before the moon
Saturday May 18 - Omega Centauri rises at 10:07 pm EDT

Further arrangements will be made as the dates approach. If interested on going on this expedition please give me a call or email me at the address below. Decisions as to when we go will be made based on the weather forecast for Windsor on each day.

Charles W. Baetsen,
HAA, Observing Director.

Hamilton Amateur Astronomers
Maintained by Rob Roy