M68
globular cluster · Hydra · 8.2ᵐ
A Messier catalogue object — globular cluster in Hydra.
Notable facts
About 1/3 the apparent diameter of the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is M68 in?
M68 lies in Hydra.
Is M68 visible to the naked eye?
8.2ᵐ — visible with binoculars.
When is the best time to observe M68?
Best observed in March.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 12h 39m · −26° 45′
- Type
- globular cluster
- Constellation
- Hydra
- How to observe
- 8.2ᵐ — visible with binoculars
- Angular size
- 12′
- Designation
- M68 · NGC 4590
Observing tip
In binoculars it is a fuzzy ball; a 100–150 mm telescope starts to resolve individual stars around the edges.
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 3° | 154° |
| +55° | 8° | 142° |
| +45° | 18° | 130° |
| +30° | 33° | 121° |
| 0° | 63° | 117° |
| −35° | 82° | 123° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 04:54 |
| February | 02:47 |
| March | 01:01 |
| April | 23:08 |
| May | 21:14 |
| June | 19:08 |
| July | 17:04 |
| August | 15:03 |
| September | 13:10 |
| October | 11:21 |
| November | 09:20 |
| December | 07:12 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.