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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: infrared
Publications with words: infrared
See also: