Messier 5 (M5) is  a globular star cluster of 100,000 or more stars bound by gravity into a region around 165 light-years in diameter. It’s about 25,000 light-years away.  M5 is one of the oldest globulars in our galaxy, with stars estimated to be nearly 13 billion years old. The beautiful star cluster is a popular target for Earthbound telescopes. This closeup  that spans about 20 light-years near the central region of M5 was taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. The cluster’s aging red and blue giant stars and rejuvenated blue stragglers stand out in yellow and blue hues.

Image Credit: NASA