APOD
Astronomy Picture of the Day
Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.
Markarian's Chain
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.
| Date | May 22, 2021 |
|---|---|
| Credit | Image Credit & Copyright: Ginge Anvik |
| Authors & editors: | Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) |
| A service of: |
ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U. |