NGC 5466

This globular cluster in Bootes is about 52,000 light years from Earth and shines at a visual magnitude of just a bit more than 9. It was discovered by William Herschel and is unusual in containing a number of blue stars, indicating that they, at least, are younger than most globular cluster members. Modern theory suspects that these stars may be the result of older stars merging together. The cluster requires a moderately large telescope to appreciate its beauty but is a very nice sight in such an instrument.

Image taken June 21, 2012, with the C-14 operating at F:3.5 and the ST-8 camera binned 2 X 2. Exposure is 600 seconds.