| Messier 68 | |
|---|---|
M68 from Hubble Space Telescope; 3.32′ view Credit: NASA/STScI/WikiSky |
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| Observation data (J2000 epoch) | |
| Class | X |
| Constellation | Hydra |
| Right ascension | 12h 39m 28.01s[1] |
| Declination | -26° 44′ 34.9″[1] |
| Distance | 33.3 kly (10.2 kpc) |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | +9.67[1] |
| Apparent dimensions (V) | 11′.0 |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Radius | 53 ly[2] |
| Estimated age | 11.2 Gyr |
| Notable features | Relatively metal poor. |
| Other designations | M68, NGC 4590, GCl 20[1] |
| See also: Globular cluster, List of globular clusters | |
Messier 68 (also known as M68 or NGC 4590) is a globular cluster in the Hydra constellation. It was discovered by Charles Messier in 1780. M68 is at a distance of about 33,000 light-years away from Earth.
Coordinates: 12h 39m 28.01s, −26° 44′ 34.9″
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