| Object Data |
| Description |
M68 is an unremarkable globular cluster that lies
approximately 33,000 light years distant, and its members are spread
throughout a globe about 140 light years diameter. It has at least 42
known variables, and is approaching us rather than receding from us. |
| Constellation |
Hydra the Serpent |
| Right Ascension |
12h 39m 38s |
| Declination |
-26° 45' 38" |
| Magnitude |
7.8 |
| Angular size |
9.8 arcminutes |
| Distance |
10.1 kiloparsecs (33,000 light years) |
| Radial Velocity |
-95.2 kilometers per second (approaching) |
| Image Data |
| Photographer |
Fred Lehman |
| Main Scope |
Meade 12" LX200 @ f/5.0 (1525mm) |
| Guide Scope |
Orion 120mm refractor @ f/3.75 |
| Guide Camera |
SBIG STV |
| Imaging Camera |
Starlight Xpress MX7C |
| Resolution |
752 x 580 @ 1.2 arcseconds per pixel |
| Exposure |
Six exposures of two minutes each. Aligned, stacked,
and processed with AstroArt. |
| Date |
March 24, 2003 |
| Location |
Area 51 in Big Cypress National Preserve in central
South Florida. |
