The Messier 5 (M5) globular star cluster is one of the largest identified globular clusters. Residing in the constellation Serpens (the serpent), M5 lies at 24,500 light years distant, spans near 165 light years in diameter and contains upwards of 500,000 gravitational bound stars. Having a computed age of about 13 billion years old, M5 is considered one of the oldest globular clusters in the Milky Way galaxy.

I captured this image of Messier 5 at Frosty Drew Observatory on April 12, 2015. We frequently view M5 during our weekly Stargazing events from mid spring through the summer seasons.

-Scott