May 2022 data, using the Native Focal length and the Focal reducer: 2135mm & 1350mm light subs @ 2min and 3min exposure. Stacked using Astro Pixel Processor and post processed in Pixinsight. Quality of the image is sub-par, hence no plate solving was succeeded. The globular clusters should be best imaged with a triplet or a doublet refractor, that data will be coming soon, thanks!Late May 2022 data, using my spring/summer rig @ the Native Focal length and with the 0.63x Focal reducer: 2135mm & 1350mm light subs @ 2min and 3min exposure. Latest Stack using Astro Pixel Processor and post processed in Pixinsight. The globular clusters should be best imaged with an imaging Newt, a triplet or a doublet refractor, IMHO, that data will be coming soon..

The globular cluster M3 was the first object in the Messier catalog to be discovered by Charles Messier himself. Messier spotted the cluster in 1764, mistaking it for a nebula without any stars. This misunderstanding of M3’s nature was corrected in 1784 when William Herschel was able to resolve the cluster’s individual stars. Today it is known to contain over 500,000 stars.

M3, approx 33,000 LYs from Earth, is notable for containing more variable stars than any other known cluster. The brightness of a variable star fluctuates with time. For some variable stars, their period relates to their intrinsic luminosity, so astronomers can use those stars’ brightness fluctuations to estimate their distances. This makes them extremely useful for measuring distances to deep-sky objects. M3 contains at least 274 variable stars.

30 x 120sec light subs 
25 x 180sec light subs 
5 x 300sec light subs 
20 darks and 20 flats for each set

Equipment used: Celestron Nexstar Evo 8" SCT on HEQ5 Pro mount with and without 0.63x FR FF, ZWO 294MC Pro main cam with 120mini guidecam and 60mm Apertura guidescope, ZWO EAF, Bathinov mask, Optolong L Pro filter, dew heater straps and powered by two Jackery packs.