Omega Centauri

[Gnat]

Was photographing Omega Centauri tonight with a 35mm f1.4 lens and 20s exposure on the DSLR. In the shot is a blob with a tail-like structure and looks like a comet. Can anyone tell me if there is a comet in that area or if I managed to pick up Centaurus A in the shot? It looks to be in the right area for Centaurus A.

[Allan]

No comets that I know of. Why don't you post your image and we can take a look.

[tonybarry]

Hi Natalie,

The area you were looking at (around NGC 5139, Omega Cen) has one comet in the region, but it's magnitude 38 (way beyond any telescope could visualise).

Cen A (NGC 5128) is in the region, but it's not generally described as a green ball ...

Image from Sky Safari.

Regards,
Tony Barry
WSAAG

[Gnat]

Thank you. I think your replies have answered it for me. The structure is not green. It is white and hazy with a tail-like structure (top right corner)so I think it is Omega Centauri as it seems to be in the right position. ;)

[Atmos]

Cent A* does have an extended tail, with your pixel scale and imaging at F/1.4 you may be detecting that.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=146166

It is this jet that I am referring to.

[Gnat]

Thank you.