Omega Centauri - NGC 5139

What a treat!  The finest visible globular cluster in the sky, Omega Centauri lies between 15,000 and 22,000 light years from Earth in the outer region of our own Milky Way galaxy.  It is said to contain over one million stars.  Viewing this object at the Winter Star Party through a large aperture telescope was a religious experience in its own right.  Using a 25" scope with a 31mm Nagler eyepiece reminded me of bacteria colonies growing on slide. Just an incredible sight!  Unfortunately this object is not readily visible for most Northern Hemisphere observers.  Although it's been observed just above the horizon from Canada, the best vantage point in the U.S. is from the Florida Keys.