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Globular Cluster M3 (also known as Messier Object 3 or NGC 5272) is a globular cluster in the Canes Venatici constellation. It was discovered by Charles Messier in 1764. This cluster is one of the largest and brightest, and is made up of around 500,000 stars. It is located at a distance of about 33900 light years away from Earth. M3 has an apparent magnitude of 6.2, making it visible to the naked eye in certain conditions. From a moderately-sized telescope, the cluster is fully defined.