M5, in the constellation Serpens, is a globular cluster of stars about 24,000 light years away. At about magnitude 5.6, it can be seen from very dark skies by observers with good dark adapted vision. This photo is a combination of 4 exposures, 2 of two minutes and 2 of four minutes using a Nikon D100 digital camera and a Nikon 500mm f/4 lens. The images were taken from a light-polluted suburban back yard in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin on March 9, 2005. The bright star to the right is 5 Serp, a third magnitude star that is much much closer to us at 80 light years.