Observer's guide
About NGC 5272
NGC 5272 (M3) is catalogued as a globular cluster in Canes Venatici. Its J2000 position is RA 13:42:11.23, Dec +28:22:31.6, corresponding to 205.5484 degrees RA and 28.3773 degrees Dec. The local catalogue places it about 33,900 light-years away. Its referenced angular extent is approximately 16.2 by 16.2 arcminutes.
Observing tips
StarWatchr rates this as an easy target at magnitude 6.2. It is associated with spring observing, with midnight placement typically strongest around April. From 52 degrees north its theoretical meridian altitude is about 66.4 degrees; local horizons and the live altitude chart determine the practical window.
A small telescope under reasonably dark skies is a good starting point; use the live altitude chart to choose its highest point.
What to expect
The SIMBAD classification for the matched source is GlC. A published radial velocity value is -147.2 km/s. The SIMBAD record currently connects it to 2613 bibliographic references.
At roughly 16.2 arcminutes across, it benefits from a narrower field and adequate image scale. Use the listed 16.2 by 16.2 arcminute extent to check framing, and treat catalogue magnitude as integrated brightness rather than a direct measure of visual contrast.