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Credit & Copyright: Chuck Ayoub
Explanation:
Near the heart of the
Virgo Galaxy
Cluster,
a string of galaxies known as
Markarian's
Chain stretches across this
telescopic field of view.
Anchored in the frame at bottom right by prominent lenticular galaxies,
M84 (bottom)
and M86,
you can follow the chain's gentle arc up and toward the left.
Near center you'll spot the pair of interacting galaxies
NGC 4438 and NGC 4435, known to some as
Markarian's Eyes.
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,
while 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: 2026 April 17 Á M82: Starburst Galaxy with a Superwind
- APOD: 2026 January 26 Á NGC 55: A Galaxy of Nebulas
- APOD: 2025 August 28 Á Galaxies, Stars, and Dust
- Virgo Cluster Galaxies
- 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