M3 and NGC 4631 on June 3, 2004

M3 on June 3, 2004. Prime focus, IR blocking filter. This is one of the most-studied of globular clusters, containing the largest number of RR Lyrae stars of any known cluster. It is roughly 10 kpc distant and was formed about 11 Gyr ago.

NGC 4631. Prime focus, IR blocking filter. This is an edge-on spiral that has been distorted due to interaction with the nearby elliptical, NGC 4627.