Globular clusters are believed to be among the oldest objects in the universe. The M3 globular cluster was discovered by French astronomer Charles Messier in 1764, and is one of the brightest of the 200 or so globular clusters associated with our galaxy, containing an estimated 500,000 stars. It is certainly older than the earth and perhaps older than our sun.

M3 is about 34,000 light years from earth and about 150 light years in diameter. It can be seen with binoculars from the northern hemisphere as a fuzzy patch in the constellation Canes Venatici.

This photo is a composite of four 15 second exposures taken at ISO 1600 with a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT at the prime focus of a 203mm f/5 newtonian reflector.