Messier 68

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This article is about the astronomical object. For other uses, see M68.
Messier 68
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
Mass - kg (- M{\odot})
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]
See also: Globular cluster, List of globular clusters
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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.

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d SIMBAD Astronomical Database. Results for NGC 4590. Retrieved on 2006-11-17.
  2. ^ distance × sin( diameter_angle / 2 ) = 53 ly. radius


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