M 53 is a globular cluster 60,339 light-years away, in Coma Berenices: an ancient, tightly bound swarm of stars in the Milky Way's halo.
Fly there in 3D| Also known as | NGC 5024, GCl 22, C 1310+184 |
| Type | Globular cluster |
| Distance | 60,339 light-years |
| Tidal radius | 597 light-years |
| Core radius | 0.347 arcminutes |
| King concentration | 1.991 |
| Absolute magnitude | -8.64 |
| Constellation | Coma Berenices |
| Position (J2000) | RA 198.2302°, Dec 18.1682° |
The light you see left 60,339 years ago, in the ice ages, when our own species lived by hunting and gathering. Its stars were born together and still move together through the Milky Way's halo.
In galaxy mode, search for it on the map or follow the link above: the autopilot flies there. The cluster is drawn at its catalogued place and size; its individual stars are illustrative.