Messier 3
The Globular Cluster M3 was one of the first globular star cluster discovered by Charles Messier. He first observed it in 1764. There are numerous background galaxies in this field as well. M3 is located over 39,000 light years from earth and is further away than the center of our galaxy. The SEDS website says that this cluster is extremely rich in variable stars. SEDS also says, Helen Sawyer Hogg has given M3's overall spectral type as F2, and a color index -0.05, rather blue for a globular. |
| Telescope: Astro-Physics 160mm EDF f7.5 @ f7.7 | Designation: M3 or NGC 5272 |
Mount: Astro-Physics AP1200GTO |
Constellation: Canes Venatici |
| Camera: Apogee U16M with Gen II Astrodon Filters | Distance: Approx 39,600 Light Years |
| Guiding: SBIG ST402 via Mini Borg 60mm | Type: Globular Cluster |
| Exposure: 5 hours total rgb | Position: R.A. 13 hr 42 min , Dec +280 23' |
| Processed using CCDStack, PhotoShop CS3 | Date: 22 & 23 April 2009 |
| Acquisition: CCDAutopilot/CCDSoft/The Sky 6/M1OASYS | Location: Deerlick Astronomy Village |