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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.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: Virgo Cluster - galaxies
Publications with words: Virgo Cluster - galaxies
See also:
- APOD: 2025 March 2 Á The Hubble Ultra Deep Field in Light and Sound
- APOD: 2024 December 31 Á The Twisted Disk of NGC 4753
- APOD: 2024 December 18 Á NGC 660: Polar Ring Galaxy
- Stellar Streams in the Local Universe
- APOD: 2024 April 15 Á The Cigar Galaxy from Hubble and Webb
- APOD: 2024 March 20 Á The Eyes in Markarians Galaxy Chain
- APOD: 2023 August 2 Á M82: Galaxy with a Supergalactic Wind