Fw: Astronomy Picture of the Day (4/17/2025): Virgo Cluster Galaxies
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Astronomy Picture of the Day
Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is
featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.
2025 April 17
Virgo Cluster Galaxies
Image Credit &
:
Explanation:
are scattered across this nearly 4 degree wide
telescopic field of view.
About 50 million light-years distant, the
is the closest large galaxy cluster to our own local galaxy group.
Prominent here are Virgo's bright elliptical galaxies from the
,
M87 at bottom left, and M86 and M84 near center right.
M86 and M84 are recognized as part of
,
the visually striking line-up of galaxies on the
that runs through the upper portion of this frame.
Near the middle of the chain lies an intriguing interacting pair of
galaxies, NGC 4438 and NGC 4435,
known to some as .
Still,
dominates the Virgo cluster.
It's the home of a super massive black hole,
the first black hole ever imaged by planet Earth's
.
Tomorrow's picture: comet in northern spring
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Authors & editors:
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NASA Official: Amber Straughn
.
A service of:
at
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Mary Live long and prosper
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