Galaxy
Messier 86
Lenticular galaxy · M86 · NGC 4406
Lenticular galaxy in Virgo
Photo: en:NASA, en:STScI, en:WikiSky · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Messier 86 is a bright elliptical or lenticular galaxy in the constellation of Virgo. It was discovered by Charles Messier in 1781. M86 lies in the heart of the Virgo Cluster of galaxies and forms a most conspicuous group with another large galaxy known as Messier 84. It displays the highest blue shift of all Messier objects, as it is, net of its other vectors of travel, approaching the Milky Way at 244 km/s. This is due to both galaxies falling roughly towards the center of the Virgo cluster from opposing ends.
Description from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
In your sky
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Key facts
Distance
~49–55 million light-years
Apparent mag.
+8.9
Apparent size
8.9′ × 5.8′
Best seen with
Binoculars
Catalogue
M86 · NGC 4406
Did you know
- Listed as Messier 86 in the Messier catalogue, also known as NGC 4406.
- Found in the constellation Virgo.
- Within reach of ordinary binoculars under dark skies.
