Messier 68

Messier 68 (M68) is a globular cluster in the constellation Hydra, with an apparent magnitude of 8.0. It is about 33,000 light-years away.

Finder chart for Messier 68 in the constellation Hydra
Messier 68 (circled) in Hydra. Pink symbols mark Messier objects.
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Facts

CatalogMessier 68 (M68)
Typeglobular cluster
ConstellationHydra
Apparent magnitude8.0
Distanceabout 33,000 light-years
Right ascension12 h 39.5 min
Declination−26.74°
Best monthMay (at about 9 pm)

Sources: star positions, magnitudes and colors from the Yale Bright Star Catalogue; constellation boundaries and star names from the IAU; areas and distances from Wikidata; stick figures by M. van der Sluys. How the maps are made.

How to find M68

M68 is in Hydra. From 40° N it is highest in the south in May evenings, about 23° up. From 35° S it reaches about 82° in the north. Binoculars show it under a dark sky; a small telescope shows more detail.

Hydra constellation →

Other Messier objects in Hydra

Messier 48 (M48)Southern Pinwheel Galaxy (M83)

The Messier catalog →

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