M3

M3 is a fine globular cluster located in the northern constellation of Canes Venatici. It’s widely considered by amateur astronomers to be one of the best examples of its type in the northern section of sky beaten only really by M13. With an apparent magnitude of +6.2, M3 is beyond naked eye visibility except from extremely dark sites. However, it’s easily visible with binoculars appearing distinctly non-stellar. The cluster is best seen from northern latitudes during the months of March, April and May.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

M3 lies in the southern part of Canes Venatici practically on the border with Boötes. It’s located 12 degrees northwest of first magnitude orange giant star Arcturus and about halfway along an imaginary line connecting Arcturus with Cor Caroli (α CVn – mag. +2.9). The area of sky surrounding M3 is rather barren, but when observed through binoculars a number of 6th and 7th magnitude stars are visible along with the cluster itself. One such 6th magnitude star is just 0.5 degrees southwest of M3.

Personal reflections

Probably because of it’s close proximity to Arcturus, placing it high in the sky from Calgary I have visited and recorded this Globular 6 times since 1991.  What we see here is the from the last visit.

Keywords: M3,Messiers, Canes Venatici