Markarian's Chain

M84-86-87LRGB_700.jpg (491687 bytes)

M87
Object Type: Elliptical Galaxy (E1)
Constellation: Virgo
Magnitude: 8.6
Size: 7'

NGC 4438
Object Type: Spiral Galaxy (Sap)
Constellation: Virgo
Magnitude: 10.1
Size: 9.3'

NGC 4435
Object Type: Elliptical Galaxy (E4)
Constellation: Virgo
Magnitude: 10.9
Size: 3'

M86
Object Type: Lenticular Galaxy (S0)
Constellation: Virgo
Magnitude: 8.9
Size: 7.5 x 5.5'

M84
Object Type: Lenticular Galaxy (S0)
Constellation: Virgo
Magnitude: 9.1
Size: 5'

Markarian's Chain forms the heart of the Virgo Galaxy Cluster, the nearest large cluster of galaxies to our Local Group at a distance 60 million light-years. M86 and M84 (near the center) are among the largest and most massive galaxies in the Virgo Cluster. NGC 4438 (left of center) and NGC 4435 (just above NGC 4438) form the "Eyes of Virgo." Gravitational interactions between these two galaxies appear to have created the bluish arms extending from the core of NGC 4438. M87 is the large galaxy at lower left.

Equipment: Vixen 102-ED/STL-11000M/Astrodon LRGB filters/Paramount MX
F-ratio: f/6.5
Exposure: LRGB: L 46 x 10 minutes: R 35 x 10 minutes; G 34 x 10 minutes; B 35 x 10 minutes; RGB binned 2x2
Date: April 17-21, 2015
Location: Landers, California, USA