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Астронет: Астрономическая картинка дня Цепочка галактик Маркаряна http://variable-stars.ru/db/msg/1740228/eng |
Credit & Copyright: Ginge Anvik
Explanation:
Near the heart of the
Virgo Galaxy Cluster
the string of galaxies known as
Markarian's
Chain stretches across this deep
telescopic field of view.
Anchored in the frame at bottom center by prominent lenticular galaxies,
M84 (bottom)
and M86,
you can follow the chain up and to the right.
Near center you'll spot the pair of interacting galaxies
NGC 4438 and NGC 4435, known to some as
Markarian's Eyes.
Its center an estimated 50 million light-years distant,
the Virgo Cluster itself is the nearest
galaxy cluster.
With up to about 2,000 member galaxies, it has a
noticeable gravitational influence on our own
Local Group of Galaxies.
Within the Virgo Cluster at least seven galaxies in Markarian's Chain
appear to move
coherently,
although others may appear to be part of the chain by chance.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.