This ultra-deep, high-resolution image of Centaurus A (NGC 5128) was created using data collected over ten years, from 2013 to 2024, with my homebuilt telescope. There are no stars in this image — every single point of light is either part of the Centaurus A system or a distant background galaxy or quasar!
This work is a continuation of my Centaurus A "Extreme Deep Field" project, now with a larger field of view (FOV) and significantly more data — 321 hours in total, including 126 hours of narrowband H-Alpha and OIII.

In 2013 I gathered 120 hours of data on Centaurus A and processed the then deepest image ever obtained of this magnificent galaxy, showing several structures not revealed by amateurs before. I updated and re-processed the image in 2014 and 2018, including adding H-Alpha data to highlight the impressive emission structures triggered by the relativistic jet from the supermassive central black hole. This current image is a major update, now just over 10 years after my initial ultra-deep image was completed.

Several unique features are visible:
The full extent of H-Alpha and OIII filaments associated with the relativistic black hole jets:
The inner and outer Northern (bottom) jet shows many faint details not previously imaged
The Southern (top) jet is visible as a small red blob in the 10 o'clock position (first detected optically in my earlier 2013 image)

The complete shell structure of the halo, showing both the faint outer shells and brighter inner ones
A distinct blue arc, a remnant stellar stream from a dwarf galaxy absorbed by Centaurus A
1108 of the known globular clusters orbiting the galaxy
Countless distant background galaxies and quasars

In the depths of the cosmos, nestled within the constellation of Centaurus, lies the enigmatic galaxy known as Centaurus A, or NGC 5128. This celestial behemoth, shrouded in mystery and intrigue, offers a glimpse into the tumultuous dance of cosmic forces that shape the universe.

At the heart of Centaurus A lies a supermassive black hole, its insatiable appetite devouring surrounding matter and unleashing powerful jets of radiation into the cosmos. These jets, spanning thousands of light-years, paint a vivid portrait of the galaxy's dynamic nature, as it engages in a cosmic battle against the forces of gravity and entropy.

But Centaurus A is more than just a spectacle of cosmic violence. Embedded within its intricate structure are clues to the galaxy's turbulent past, including evidence of past collisions and mergers with smaller galaxies. These cosmic cataclysms have left behind a trail of stellar debris and gas, sculpting Centaurus A into the awe-inspiring sight we behold today.

- Perth
- APM107/700 + Riccardi 0.75x Reducer
- KENKO AZ-EQ6GT
- QSI683WSG
- L 1Bin 600sec 13shots / R/G/B 2Bin 300sec shots each

Copyright: KyeongSang Yun