Messier 68

This article is about the astronomical object. For other uses, see M68 (disambiguation).

Messier 68
M68 from Hubble Space Telescope; 3.32′ view Credit: NASA/STScI/WikiSky
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[citation needed] (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.[citation needed]
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.

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d} "SIMBAD Astronomical Database". Results for NGC 4590. http://simbad.u-strasbg.fr/Simbad. Retrieved 2006-11-17. 
2. ^ distance × sin( diameter_angle / 2 ) = 53 ly. radius

External links

• Globular Cluster M68 @ SEDS Messier pages
• Messier 68, Galactic Globular Clusters Database page
• Messier 68 on WikiSky: DSS2, SDSS, GALEX, IRAS, Hydrogen α, X-Ray, Astrophoto, Sky Map, Articles and images

Coordinates: 12^h 39^m 28.01^s, −26° 44′ 34.9″