This is the pair of mismatched globular star clusters, Messier 53 (on the right) and NGC 5053 in Coma Berenices. M53 is a rich cluster while NGC 5053

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This is the pair of mismatched globular star clusters, Messier 53 (on the right) and NGC 5053 in Coma Berenices. M53 is a rich cluster while NGC 5053 is fainter and rather poorly populated. The difference is intrinsic as both clusters lie about the same distance away, some 53,000 light years. The brightest star at lower right is Diadem, or Alpha Comae Barenices. A number of faint and tiny IC, PGC and UGC galaxies dot the field. This is a stack of 15 x 6-minute exposures with the Astro-Tech 90CFT refractor with its Reducer for and 430mm focal length, and the filter-modified Canon R at ISO 800. On the Astro-Physics Mach1 mount and with the MGENIII auto-guider. Taken from home on a slightly hazy night on May 13, 2023.

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Size: 6720px × 4480px
Photo credit: © Alan Dyer / VWPics / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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