                        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.

                                 2023 May 26

                           Virgo Cluster Galaxies
                 Image Credit & Copyright: Abdullah Alharbi

   Explanation: Galaxies of the Virgo Cluster are scattered across this
   nearly 4 degree wide telescopic field of view. About 50 million
   light-years distant, the Virgo Cluster is the closest large galaxy
   cluster to our own local galaxy group. Prominent here are Virgo's
   bright elliptical galaxies Messier catalog, M87 at bottom center, and
   M84 and M86 (top to bottom) near top left. M84 and M86 are recognized
   as part of Markarian's Chain, a visually striking line-up of galaxies
   on the left side of this frame. Near the middle of the chain lies an
   intriguing interacting pair of galaxies, NGC 4438 and NGC 4435, known
   to some as Markarian's Eyes. Of course giant elliptical galaxy M87
   dominates the Virgo cluster. It's the home of a super massive black
   hole, the first black hole ever imaged by planet Earth's Event Horizon
   Telescope.

               Tomorrow's picture: Crescent Neptune and Triton
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