Globular Cluster M4 in Scorpio

A large and nearby fairly loose globular cluster containing thousands of stars. The distance to M4 is estimated to be about 5,700 light years and its diameter is about 220 light years. This cluster is reddened by significant amounts of dust in its area and is distinguished by a central "bar" of about 8-10 brighter stars.

Images taken with TEC-140 Telescope mounted on Losmandy G11 mount. Camera used was a Canon EOS20D used at prime focus.

Five 1 minute exposures dark, flat, and bias compensated, aligned and stacked, background removed and digitally developed with ImagesPlus 2.5.