This 8th magnitude globular cluster lies at a distance of about 33,000 light years, and its members are spread over a volume of about 106 light years diameter. It has at least 42 known variables.

M68 contains about 250 giant stars of absolute mag greater than zero, about half as much as M3 or M13. Its brightest star is of magnitude 12.6, while the horizontal branch level of this cluster is at mag 15.6.
Distance of M68 is estimated to be between 33,300 and 50,000 ly.

M68 is approaching us at 112 km/sec.

M68 was discovered by Charles Messier on April 9, 1780.

A faint patch in binoculars, the brightest stars of M68 are resolved by telescopes starting from 4-inch aperture under good conditions; these instruments show a mottled round nebulous patch with a bright center, gradually fading to its edges. A 6-inch resolves the outer parts of this cluster, a halo of 12' diameter. Larger telescopes show its nature as a rich cluster well to the core.

M68 is quite difficult to observe for Northern observers because of its southern declination.