Higher-resolution versions:  1280 x 1024  1680 x 1050  1984 x 1307

Object Type: Globular Cluster (Class VI)
Constellation: Canes Venatici
Magnitude: 6.2
Size: 18'

M3 is located at a distance of 33,900 light-years from our solar system, and is estimated to contain 500,000 stars. It contains a large number of bright, young blue stars known as "blue stragglers," some of which can be seen in this image. In the higher-resolution versions, at least 20 background galaxies can be identified.

Equipment: Meade 14" LX200R/STL-11000M/Astrodon LRGB filters/Paramount ME
F-ratio: f/9.5
Exposures: LRGB: L 10 x 6 minutes, binned 2x2: R 10 x 6 minutes: G 10 x 6 minutes: B 10 x 6 minutes: RGB binned 3x3
Date: April 27, 2008
Location: Landers, California, USA
Technical Notes: Individual exposures were obtained using CCDAutoPilot2 and then sigma combined. The RGB image was created in Registar 1.0. A Gaussian Blur of 1 pixel was applied to the RGB image and Smart Sharpen of 1 pixel was applied to the luminance image. The RGB image was duplicated and combined with the original using Soft Light to enhance color.