Globular cluster
Messier 3
Also M3 · NGC 5272
A large, bright globular cluster of about half a million stars, rich in variable stars.
Measured
- Distance
- about 33,200 light-years (published estimates 32,900–33,500)
- Size
- about 174 light-years across (approximate)
- Constellation
- Canes Venatici
- Position (J2000)
- RA 13h 42m 12s, Dec +28.38°
How far, from the Sun
About 33,200 light-years. To cross it:
- Light33,200 years
- Voyager 1's speed590 million years
- Driving at 100 km/h358 billion years
Voyager 1 at the speed it moved outward over the year to 2026-10-25 (JPL Horizons). Driving: nonstop, never refuelling.
Facts
- Its mass is about 410,000 times the Sun's.
How it was found
- It was Charles Messier's first original discovery, in 1764.
- At least 274 variable stars have been found in it.
Where this comes from
- Baumgardt & Vasiliev 2021, Gaia EDR3 (10.18 ± 0.08 kpc)
Every catalogue Ouranos draws is credited on the credits page.