Messier 3

Messier 3 (M3) is a globular cluster in the constellation Canes Venatici, with an apparent magnitude of 6.2. It is about 32,616 light-years away.

Finder chart for Messier 3 in the constellation Canes Venatici
Messier 3 (circled) in Canes Venatici. Pink symbols mark Messier objects.
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Facts

CatalogMessier 3 (M3)
Typeglobular cluster
ConstellationCanes Venatici
Apparent magnitude6.2
Distanceabout 32,616 light-years
Right ascension13 h 42.2 min
Declination+28.38°
Best monthJune (at about 9 pm)

Sources: star positions, magnitudes and colors from the Yale Bright Star Catalogue; constellation boundaries and star names from the IAU; areas and distances from Wikidata; stick figures by M. van der Sluys. How the maps are made.

How to find M3

M3 is in Canes Venatici. From 40° N it is highest in the south in June evenings, about 78° up. From 35° S it reaches about 27° in the north. Binoculars show it under a dark sky; a small telescope shows more detail.

Canes Venatici constellation →

Other Messier objects in Canes Venatici

Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)Sunflower Galaxy (M63)Messier 94 (M94)Messier 106 (M106)

The Messier catalog →

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