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M3 Globular Cluster

Messier 3 is a globular cluster of stars in the constellation Canes Venatici. It was the first Messier object to be discovered by Charles Messier himself. It is about 33,920 ly from earth, 11.4 billion years old, and approximately 180 ly in diameter. Also seen in the image (lower left) is the star HD 119081, a red giant with a diameter 11 times greater than our sun. The spiral galaxy NCG 5263 can be seen in the lower right of the image.

 

Rio Rancho NM Bortle 5/6 zone

April 6-7, 2022

William Optics Redcat 51

ZWO 183mc pro

ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini

Optolong L-Pro filter

ZWO ASI Air Pro

Sky-Watcher HEQ5

119 X 300s lights; with darks bias dithering

Gain 111 at -10C

Processed in DSS and PS

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Uploaded on April 7, 2022
Taken on December 23, 2023