Messier Index/M68
Appearance
Messier 68 | |
---|---|
Observation data (w: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 | |
Mass | - kg (- M) |
Radius | 53 ly[2] |
VHB | - |
Estimated age | 11.2 Gyr |
Notable features | Relatively metal poor.[citation needed] |
Other designations | M68, NGC 4590, GCl 20[1] |
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.