M53
Globular Cluster in Coma Berenices
About
A globular cluster in Coma Berenices, about 58,000 light-years away. It is metal-poor and about 12.7 billion years old. It has 55 known RR Lyrae variables, and a tidal bridge appears to connect it to the nearby cluster NGC 5053.
Imaging tips
- 13′ across: 1,860–3,110 mm on APS-C frames it with space around it.
- One imager built a high-dynamic-range image from 12 subs of 300 s, 4 of 150 s and 4 of 75 s (75 minutes in all), so the core is not burnt out.
- NGC 5053 lies about 1° away in Coma Berenices, so it is nearby but not in a tight frame; a wider lens or a mosaic would be needed to include both.
- Best in March and April.
Facts
- Size
- 13′
- Magnitude
- 7.6
- Coordinates
- RA 13h 12.9m, Dec +18° 10′
- Framing, APS-C
- 1860–3110 mm
- Framing, full frame
- 2860–4760 mm
- Best months
- Mar, Apr
- Peak altitude
- 58° from 50°N, 73° from 35°N