Clusters & Stars
Messier 3
Messier 3, a globular cluster of around 500,000 stars in Canes Venatici, 33,900 light-years away – photographed by Pete Lawrence.
Target details
Messier 3 is a globular cluster in the northern constellation of Canes Venatici, about 33,900 light-years away. It's one of the largest and brightest globulars, a tight ball of around 500,000 stars thought to be 8 billion years old.
NGC 5263 is also visible along the right-hand border.
Capture details
Data captured 14th March & 9th May, 2016.
25x 2 minute & 40 x 3 minute exposures at ISO400, respectively.
Equipment details
Orion Europa 200
NEQ6 Pro
Nikon d7100
Skywatcher ST-80
QHY5L-II
Processing details
This image was processed in Pixinsight & Lightroom.
Quick facts
- What is Messier 3?
- Messier 3 is a globular cluster in the northern constellation of Canes Venatici, about 33,900 light-years away. It's one of the largest and brightest globulars, a tight ball of around 500,000 stars thought to be 8 billion years old.
- Where is it in the sky?
- In the constellation Canes Venatici.
- What are its catalogue names?
- M3, NGC 5263
- When was this photo taken?
- 9 May 2016
- What equipment was used?
- Orion Europa 200, NEQ6 Pro, Nikon d7100, Skywatcher ST-80, QHY5L-II
- Where was it taken from?
- Lisburn, Northern Ireland.