Waid Observatory

Object: M68

Date: April 24/25, 2019    Location: Dark Sky Observatory, Davis Mountains Texas
Telescope: 10 inch RC   -  Camera: Apogee ALTA U8300M  -  Mount: Paramount MX
Exposure: L = 230 min. - R,G,B = 60 min. each

Click on the image to view at resolution.

 

M68

M68 (Globular Cluster in Hydra) 1,2

M68, as listed in the Messier Catalog, is also designated NGC 4590.  It is a globular cluster located approximately 33,600 light-years from the Earth in the constellation Hydra.  The cluster's southerly location makes it a difficult target for northern observers.  The cluster measures about 106 lightyears in diameter and has a relatively compressed core an may be undergoing core-collapse.  M68 orbits within the Milky Way in a highly eccentric path that takes it as much as 100,000 light-years from the galactic center.  M68 may be the core of a companion galaxy captured by the Milky Way.  The stars that make up the cluster are metal-poor which, in astronomical terms, means they have a low content of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium.

1http://www.messier.seds.org/m/m068.html
2https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messier_68


  Copyright Donald P. Waid