Posted on 05/01/2026 12:38:10 PM PDT by MtnClimber
Explanation: Near the heart of the Virgo Galaxy Cluster, a string of galaxies known as Markarian's Chain stretches across this telescopic field of view. Anchored in the frame at bottom right by prominent lenticular galaxies, M84 (bottom) and M86, you can follow the chain's gentle arc up and toward the left. Near center you'll spot the pair of interacting galaxies NGC 4438 and NGC 4435, known to some as Markarian's Eyes. 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, while others may appear to be part of the chain by chance.
For more detail go to the link and click on the image for a high definition image. You can then move the magnifying glass cursor then click to zoom in and click again to zoom out. When zoomed in you can scan by moving the side bars on the bottom and right side of the image.
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With the Webb telescope finding millions of galaxies as far as 13 billion light yearâs distance, is the Big Bang theory still relevant?
Wow.
No idea. With what they call the expansion of space time, 13 billion light years may be the limit of what will reach Earth. What is beyond what we can see? No one on Earth knows.
Chain! Chain! Chain! .......................
This is my target Sunday night, if the weather holds.
At our last astronomy club meeting last Saturday night, one of our club members displayed a photo he took of Markarianâs Chain with his âsmartâ telescope. I donât remember which one he used, but I was surprised at the detail visible in that little scope, and the accuracy of its drive system.
Clear skies for you, I hope!đ
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