Messier 5 - Globular Cluster in Serpens

Messier 5 is a Globular Cluster located in Serpens. It was discovered in 1702 by German astronomer Gottfried Kirch. At 165 light years across, and 15 billion years old, M5 is one of the largest, as well as one of the oldest globular clusters associated with the Milky Way. It has an apparent magnitude of +6.65, placing it as one of the brighter globulars in the northern hemisphere.

M5 - Globular Cluster in Serpens

Acquisition Details: 

Camera: Nikon D5100

Lens: 300mm f/5.6

Mount: iOptron SkyTracker mounted on Manfrotto 190XB

Image capture controlled with Aputure External Intervalometer

ISO: 800

Stack of 15 30s exposures, totalling 7'30"

5x Darks

Stacked in DSS and processed in Lightroom

This image isn't perfect, the focus is a fair bit off, but it doesn't look horrible. I mostly posted it because it's my first globular, and I'm happy with how the processing worked out. This is probably one of the first times I've been able to successfully remove the influence of light pollution. Here's hoping I'm able to do the same in the future!