# Messier 3: Wikis

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# Encyclopedia

NGC 5272
Observation data (J2000 epoch)
Class VI
Constellation Canes Venatici
Right ascension 13h 42m 11.23s[1]
Declination 28° 22′ 31.6″[1]
Distance 33.9 kly (10.4 kpc)
Apparent magnitude (V) +6.2[1]
Apparent dimensions (V) 18′.0
Physical characteristics
Mass 4.87 x 1035 kg kg (245 000 M${\odot}$)
VHB -
Estimated age 8 x 109 years
Notable features -
Other designations NGC 5272[1]
See also: Globular cluster, List of globular clusters

Messier 3 (also known as M3 or NGC 5272) is a globular cluster in the constellation Canes Venatici. It was discovered by Charles Messier in 1764, and resolved into stars by William Herschel around 1784. This cluster is one of the largest and brightest, and is made up of around 500,000 stars. It is located at a distance of about 33,900 light-years away from Earth. M3 has an apparent magnitude of 6.2, making it visible to the naked eye under dark conditions. From a moderate-sized telescope, the cluster is fully defined.

Messier 3 with amateur telescope