                        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.

                                 2021 May 22

                              Markarian's Chain
                    Image Credit & Copyright: Ginge Anvik

   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.

                     Tomorrow's picture: the galaxy tree
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       Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP)
            NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply.
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