Messier 53

Messier 53 (M53) is a globular cluster in the constellation Coma Berenices, with an apparent magnitude of 7.8. It is about 58,400 light-years away.

Finder chart for Messier 53 in the constellation Coma Berenices
Messier 53 (circled) in Coma Berenices. Pink symbols mark Messier objects.
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Facts

CatalogMessier 53 (M53)
Typeglobular cluster
ConstellationComa Berenices
Apparent magnitude7.8
Distanceabout 58,400 light-years
Right ascension13 h 12.9 min
Declination+18.17°
Best monthMay (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 M53

M53 is in Coma Berenices. From 40° N it is highest in the south in May evenings, about 68° up. From 35° S it reaches about 37° in the north. Binoculars show it under a dark sky; a small telescope shows more detail.

Coma Berenices constellation →

Other Messier objects in Coma Berenices

Black Eye Galaxy (M64)Messier 85 (M85)Messier 88 (M88)Messier 91 (M91)Messier 98 (M98)Messier 99 (M99)Messier 100 (M100)

The Messier catalog →

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