M 68

Globular cluster · 33,920 light-years

M 68 is a globular cluster 33,920 light-years away, in Hydra: an ancient, tightly bound swarm of stars in the Milky Way's halo.

Fly there in 3D

Facts

Also known asNGC 4590, HD 110032, GCl 20, C 1236-264
TypeGlobular cluster
Distance33,920 light-years
Tidal radius255 light-years
Core radius0.615 arcminutes
King concentration1.624
Absolute magnitude-7.09
ConstellationHydra
Position (J2000)RA 189.8666°, Dec -26.7441°

Its light

The light you see left 33,920 years ago, in the ice ages, when our own species lived by hunting and gathering. Its stars were born together and still move together through the Milky Way's halo.

Nearest named clusters and galaxies to it

In Orrery Space

In galaxy mode, search for it on the map or follow the link above: the autopilot flies there. The cluster is drawn at its catalogued place and size; its individual stars are illustrative.

Sources

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