https://freerepublic.com/tag/strongofpearls/ en-us Fri, 1 May 2026 19:38:10 GMT Focus Forum 15 https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4377249/posts 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... NASA https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4377249/posts#comment Fri, 1 May 2026 19:38:10 GMT