M3
globular cluster · Canes Venatici · 6.4ᵐ
One of the richest globular clusters — roughly half a million stars at a distance of 34,000 light years.
Notable facts
About 1/2 the apparent diameter of the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is M3 in?
M3 lies in Canes Venatici.
Is M3 visible to the naked eye?
6.4ᵐ — visible with binoculars.
When is the best time to observe M3?
Best observed in April.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 13h 42m · +28° 23′
- Type
- globular cluster
- Constellation
- Canes Venatici
- How to observe
- 6.4ᵐ — visible with binoculars
- Angular size
- 16′
- Designation
- M3 · NGC 5272
Observing tip
In binoculars it is a fuzzy ball; a 100–150 mm telescope starts to resolve individual stars around the edges.
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 58° | 18° |
| +55° | 63° | 34° |
| +45° | 73° | 48° |
| +30° | 88° | 57° |
| 0° | 62° | 62° |
| −35° | 27° | 55° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 05:57 |
| February | 03:49 |
| March | 02:04 |
| April | 00:11 |
| May | 22:16 |
| June | 20:10 |
| July | 18:06 |
| August | 16:05 |
| September | 14:12 |
| October | 12:24 |
| November | 10:23 |
| December | 08:14 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.