Messier 68

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Messier 68
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M68 from Hubble Space Telescope in 2008; 3.32′ view
Credit: NASA/STScI/WikiSky
Observation data (J2000 epoch)
Class X[1]
Constellation Hydra
Right ascension 12h 39m 27.98s[2]
Declination –26° 44′ 38.6″[2]
Distance 33.6 kly (10.3 kpc)[3]
Apparent magnitude (V) +9.67[4]
Apparent dimensions (V) 11′.0
Physical characteristics
Mass 2.23×105[3] M
Radius 53 ly[5]
Metallicity –2.23[3] dex
Estimated age 11.2 Gyr[6]
Notable features Relatively metal poor.[3]
Other designations M68, NGC 4590, GCl 20[4]
See also: Globular cluster, List of globular clusters

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

A 2012 view of M68 from the Wide Field Camera of Hubble’s Advanced Camera for Surveys

References

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  5. distance × sin( diameter_angle / 2 ) = 53 ly. radius
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External links

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

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