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, 2016.
25x 2 minute exposures at ISO400.

Equipment details

Orion Europa 200
NEQ6 Pro
Nikon d7100
Skywatcher ST-80
QHY5L-II

Processing details

This image was processed in Pixinsight & Lightroom

Messier 3: astrophotograph by Pete Lawrence