Higher-resolution version:  1280 x 1024

Object Type: Lenticular galaxy (S0 pec)
Constellation: Centaurus
Magnitude: 7.0
Size: 26' x 20'

NGC 5128 has the overall morphology of a lenticular or elliptical galaxy, but also contains a large dust lane, which suggests that it is the result of the merger of two galaxies. It is a prominent radio source, hence its alternate designation of Centaurus A.

Equipment: Vixen 102-ED/ST-10XME/Astrodon RGB filters/Losmandy G-11/Gemini
F-ratio: f/6.5
Exposures: LRGB:  10 x 6 minutes: R 10 x 6 minutes: G 10 x 6 minutes: B 11 x 6 minutes: RGB binned 2x2
Date: April 19 and 20, 2009
Location: Fort Davis, Texas, USA (Texas Star Party)