Globular cluster · Hydra

M68

Also known as: NGC 4590

mag 8.212′ across

About

M68 is a globular cluster of magnitude 8.2 in Hydra, about 12′ across.

M68 is in the constellation Hydra.
Best evenings: around mid-May it is highest at about 9 pm (10 pm in summer time); a month earlier, two hours later.
Where on Earth: it is seen well, at least 10° up, from south of 53° N.

When it rises and sets tonight, how high it climbs and how much the Moon gets in the way are worked out in your browser for your place.

EyesNot visible to the naked eye.
Binoculars (10×50)A small fuzzy star.
Telescope (6–8 inch)A bright round glow; its edges break into stars at high power.

For a dark country sky with no Moon. From a city, faint galaxies and nebulae can disappear completely.

Designations	M68, NGC 4590
Type	Globular cluster
Magnitude	8.2The smaller the number, the brighter.
Apparent size	12′the full Moon is 31′ across
Surface brightness	≈ 22.2 mag/arcsec²Estimate from the magnitude and size, per square arcsecond.
Constellation	Hydra
Right ascension (J2000)	12h 39m 28.0s
Declination (J2000)	−26° 44′ 35″