M3

Overview

M3 is a globular cluster containing 500,000 stars. It formed around 11.4 billion years ago, making it more than twice as old as planet Earth.

Background

City light pollution makes imaging broadband deep sky objects tricky, but M3 is relatively bright so I thought I’d have a go.

I find globular clusters tricky because it’s all too easy to blow out the cores. I want to tackle a globular with my new Askar 130PHQ telescope, and really try to do the core justice.

Imaging details

DateMarch and April 2021
LocationBristol, UK (Bortle 8)
TelescopeAskar FRA400 f/5.6 Quintuplet APO Astrograph
CameraZWO ASI 2600MC-PRO
MountOrion Sirius EQ-G
GuideWilliam Optics 32mm; ZWO ASI 120MM Mini
ControlASIAIR
SoftwarePixInsight, Lightroom
FiltersNo filter: 300 x 120 seconds
Total exposure time10 hours
Image creditLee Pullen

Source data

Seestar S50

Seestar S50 image coming later…


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