Omega Centauri (NGC 5139) is the largest and brightest globular cluster visible from Earth, lying approximately 17,000 light-years away in the constellation Centaurus. Spanning more than 150 light-years in diameter, it contains an estimated 10 million stars—many of which are ancient, dating back over 12 billion years. Its sheer size, mass, and stellar diversity set it apart from typical globular clusters, suggesting it may be the remnant core of a dwarf galaxy long ago absorbed by the Milky Way.

This densely packed stellar sphere dazzles in long-exposure images, revealing its layered population of red giants, blue stragglers, and faint white dwarfs. Its dense core is a prime subject of study for astronomers seeking clues about early galactic formation. Observing Omega Centauri from the dark skies of Río Hurtado offers a breathtaking glimpse into a relic of the early universe still orbiting silently in our galactic halo.