M68 is a relatively loose and grainy globular cluster in the large constellation Hydra.
The cluster contains a significant number of metal‑poor stars, indicating that M68 belongs to some of the oldest stellar populations in the Milky Way.
Its structure is less compact than that of many other Messier globular clusters, allowing individual stars to resolve nicely in medium‑sized telescopes.
M68 lies in a rich star field and is an excellent target for astrophotographers who want to capture subtle details in ancient stellar populations.
Object Data
Messier:M68
NGC:NGC 4590
Also known as:Mel 113
Name:M68
Type:Globular cluster
Constellation:Hydra
Size:11′
Distance:33,000 ly
Observation Data
Location:Villargordo del Cabriel (Valencia), Spain