Messier Index/M68

Messier 68 (also known as M68 or NGC 4590) is a w:globular cluster in the w:Hydra constellation. It was discovered by w:Charles Messier in w:1780. M68 is at a distance of about 33,000 w:light-years away from w:Earth.

Messier 68
M68 from w:Hubble Space Telescope; 3.32′ view Credit: w:NASA/w:STScI/w:WikiSky
Observation data (w:J2000 epoch)
Class	X
Constellation	Hydra
Right ascension	12h 39m 28.01s
Declination	-26° 44′ 34.9″
Distance	33.3 kly (10.2 kpc)
Apparent magnitude (V)	+9.67
Apparent dimensions (V)	11′.0
Physical characteristics
Mass	- kg (- M${\odot }$)
Radius	53 ly
VHB	-
Estimated age	11.2 Gyr
Notable features	Relatively metal poor.
Other designations	M68, NGC 4590, GCl 20

External links

• Globular Cluster M68 @ SEDS Messier pages
• Messier 68, Galactic Globular Clusters Database page