Messier 5 (NGC 5904) from my own backyard

Messier 5 (NGC 5904) is a magnificent globular cluster located in the constellation Serpens (Caput). Containing more than 100,000 stars and spanning about 165 light-years across, it is one of the oldest and largest globular clusters known, estimated to be nearly 13 billion years old. Under dark skies, M5 appears as a dense, shimmering ball of ancient stars — a true jewel of the galactic halo.

In 2014, I photographed this impressive cluster from my own backyard. Despite its distance of about 25,000 light-years, its bright core and extended halo made it a rewarding target for imaging, revealing fine details even through moderate exposure times.

The data calibration, registration, and final image processing were all performed in PixInsight

The images were taken with the following equipment:

• Date: 2014
• Location: Krefeld, Germany
• Telescope: 10″ Newton ohne Namen
• Focal length [mm]: 1000
• Focal ratio: 3.9
• Mount: Losmandy G11
• Camera: Moravian 8300FW
• Filter: R:G:B
• Exposure time [min]: 80:80:80
• Resolution: 1.14″/px

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