Messier 68 (M68) is a globular star cluster in the constellation Hydra, discovered by Charles Messier in 1780, also cataloged as NGC 4590. Located about 33,000 light-years from Earth, it appears as a faint patch in binoculars but can be resolved into individual stars with larger telescopes, revealing a rich, compressed collection of stars with an age of around 11.5 billion years.
Type: Globular cluster
Location: Constellation Hydra, about 33,000 light-years away
Apparent Magnitude: 9.67 (faint)
Age: Approximately 11.5 billion years
Discovery: Charles Messier in 1780
Other names: NGC 4590
Binoculars: Appears as a faint, fuzzy patch of light.
Telescope: A 4-inch telescope can resolve the brightest stars, while larger instruments can resolve the entire cluster, including its core.
Location in the sky: Find it by locating the constellation Hydra and looking southeast of the star Beta Corvi (Kraz). Image Credit ESA/Hubble & NASA
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