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Globular star cluster M3

Globular star cluster M3 is in the constellation Canes Venatici (CVn).

Equatorial coordinates (epoch J2000):
Ra (α):13^h42.2^m, Dec (δ):+28° 23'

Visual magnitude: 7,0^m
Distance from the star clusters M3 to the Sun is 34170 light years
Angular size: 19'
Class: VI
External dimensions the star clusters M3 are about 190 light years.
Number of stars: >50000
Age of the object M3 is 10x10⁹ years
Estimated weight the star clusters: 800x10³ suns

Discoverer: Charles Messier, 1764 year.

The designation M3 in other catalogs: NGC 5272

Optimum magnification for a telescope with observations of M3, depending on the aperture of the telescope (D), is about D/2-D. Higher magnifications of course add details, but lead to a strong drop in the brightness of the image, making it difficult to observe.

The best month for observing M3 is May. At this time, the object is at midnight near its highest point in the sky, that is, it is less affected by light from the lanterns and atmospheric distortions.

For observers in the northern latitudes:the night sky in May is no longer very dark, so try also to observe M3 in April.
Of course, in April the object is at midnight not at its highest point, whichprovides the least exposure and atmospheric distortion. But, the darkness of the April sky greatly increases the contrast.The farther south the location of your observation is located, the darker the summer sky will be.

Мessier 2

Мessier 4

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