APOD: 2026 September 25 – Globular Star Cluster Omega Centauri
APOD Science APOD APOD: 2026 September 25 –… Today’s APOD Archive Submissions Index Search Calendar RSS Education About Discuss APOD Astronomy Picture of the Day Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer. Globular Cluster Omega […]
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day highlights the globular star cluster known as Omega Centauri, also cataloged as NGC 5139. This enormous cluster, containing roughly 10 million stars, is far older than our own Sun. With a diameter of around 150 light-years, Omega Centauri is the largest and brightest of the approximately 200 known globular clusters that orbit our Milky Way galaxy.
Located about 15,000 light-years away, this cluster is comprised of stars with varying ages and chemical compositions, hinting at a fascinating history. There is speculation that Omega Cen may be the remnant core of a smaller galaxy that once merged with the Milky Way.
Astronomers have captured Omega Centauri's distinct yellowish hue through a sharp telescopic image. Recent observations using the Hubble Space Telescope have yielded compelling evidence for a massive black hole residing near the core of this star cluster.
The image used in this APOD submission has been updated. The email address for image submissions can be found at APOD Submissions. The main NASA site hosting APOD is transitioning from apod.nasa.gov to science.nasa.gov/apod. The picture for tomorrow will explore reflections on a starry night.
Written by urgent.news from NASA's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- APOD: 2026 September 25 – Globular Star Cluster Omega Centauri science.nasa.gov
