Messier 3
| Messier 3 | |
|---|---|
Globular cluster Messier 3 in Canes Venatici | |
| Observation data (J2000 epoch) | |
| Class | VI |
| Constellation | Canes Venatici |
| Right ascension | 13h 42m 11.62s |
| Declination | +28° 22′ 38.2″ |
| Distance | 33.9 kly (10.4 kpc) |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | 6.39 |
| Apparent dimensions (V) | 18′.0 |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Absolute magnitude | -8.93 |
| Mass | 4.5×105 M☉ |
| Radius | 103.0 pc (335.9 ly) |
| Tidal radius | 113 pc (370 ly)[mean] |
| Metallicity | = –1.34 dex |
| Estimated age | 11.39 Gyr |
| Other designations | NGC 5272 |
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Messier 3 (M3; also NGC 5272) is a globular cluster located 33.9 thousand light years from Earth in the northern constellation of Canes Venatici. It is one of the largest and brightest globular clusters discovered with around 500,000 stars.