Space and Astronomy Atlas

How The Universe Works
Celestial Objects

Centaurus A

Galaxy

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Centaurus A, also known as NGC 5128, is a galaxy in the constellation of Centaurus, discovered by Scottish astronomer James Dunlop in 1826. There is considerable debate over its fundamental properties, including whether its Hubble type is a lenticular galaxy or a giant elliptical galaxy, and its distance, estimated at 11 to 13 million light-years.

Facts
Object Type
Galaxy (disputed Hubble type: lenticular or giant elliptical) 1
Wikipedia's own lead states the Hubble-type classification is disputed between lenticular and giant elliptical; recorded here as debated rather than resolved by editorial fiat, per this atlas's DataBrief voice convention.
Orbital Distance
11 to 13 million light-years from Earth 1
Sources
1. Wikipedia (space and spaceflight articles)
Wikimedia FoundationCentaurus A, lead section
Quote, Centaurus A, lead section
considerable debate in the literature regarding the galaxy's fundamental properties such as its Hubble type (lenticular galaxy or a giant elliptical galaxy)
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1. Wikipedia (space and spaceflight articles)
Wikimedia FoundationCentaurus A, infobox (Distance)
Quote, Centaurus A, infobox (Distance)
Distance: 11-13 Mly (3-5 Mpc)
View the Source
1. Wikipedia (space and spaceflight articles)
Wikimedia FoundationIn Category: Celestial Objects, Centaurus A, Wikipedia summaryView the Source
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