Messier 3

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**NGC 5272**
Observation data (Epoch J2000)
Globular cluster	List of globular clusters
Image of Messier 3 taken in infrared with the Spitzer Space Telescope
Class	VI
Constellation	Canes Venatici
Right ascension	13^h 42^m 11.23^s^[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 (245 000 M_☉)
Radius	90 ly
V_HB	-
Estimated age	8 x 10⁹ years
Notable features	-
Other designations	NGC 5272^[1]

Photo of Messier 3 taken with a 24" telescope in Boulder, Colorado.

Globular Cluster M3 (also known as Messier Object 3 or NGC 5272) is a globular cluster in the Canes Venatici constellation. 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 moderately-sized telescope, the cluster is fully defined.