| M3 (NGC5272) / Globular Cluster, type VI |
|---|
| R.A. | 13h 42m 12.0s (2000.0) |
|---|
| Dec. | +28° 23' 00" (2000.0) |
|---|
| Apparent Size | 19.0' |
|---|
| Real Size | 114 light yrs. |
|---|
| Magnitude | 6.4 |
|---|
| Distance | 45,000 light yrs. |
|---|
This is a bright, large globular cluster located almost at the zenith among the spring constellations, roughly midway between Arcturus in Bootes and α Canum Venaticorum (Cor Caroli).
Its apparent diameter is about 10 arcminutes.
Even in binoculars, its outer regions appear as a diffuse, nebulous glow, while through a telescope one can enjoy the magnificent sight of countless faint stars densely packed together.
This region lies far from the Milky Way and is known as a "nest of galaxies," where numerous galaxies are scattered across the sky;
within such an area, the presence of a globular cluster is quite unusual.
Along with the globular cluster M13 in Hercules, it is considered one of the finest globular clusters in the northern sky.
Its distance from the Solar System is estimated to be about 45,000 light-years.
|
