Posted on 05/22/2021 4:13:25 PM PDT by MtnClimber
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.
The Virgo cluster has an unusual galaxy In it. It’s not obvious but the stars rotate around the central black hole in both directions. Why don’t they collide with each? Because of all the empty space in-between.
Heh! :-)
Wow, that is interesting. I bet on the rare occurrence that stars collide at high velocity going opposite directions it is quite spectacular!
NGC 4550 is the Galaxy. Vera Rubin is the astronomer who discovered this double rotation. There was a fellow who predicted such a possibility beforehand. When Rubin contacted him he was somewhat embarrassed because he thought his paper was a silly conjecture. Imagine his surprise and delight that Rubin had actually found one.
The properties of light are mind boggling. How can light travel at nearly 186,300 miles per second, second after second, year after year, for millions or billions of years, without ever getting tired, taking a day off, calling in sick, or just calling it quits?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.