Markarian's Chain of Galaxies in the constellation Virgo

 

Markarian's Chain of Galaxies. Seestar S30 in EQ and Mosaic modes.
Credit: Pip Stakkert.

" Earlier in the year, Pip Stakkert was experimenting with the Seestar S30 and captured this rather poorly centred and under sampled mosaic of Markarian's Chain of Galaxies in the constellation Virgo. We will however return to this target next year when, once again, Virgo is high above our southern horizon in Lowestoft. Given more and longer sub exposures, the Seestar App now allows for 1-minute subs in EQ mode and mosaic format, we should be able to improve upon the image published above". - Kurt Thrust current Director of the Jodrell Plank Observatory.

"Markarian's Chain is a visually striking group of galaxies in the Virgo Cluster, named after Benjamin Markarian, who studied galaxy alignments and UV-active galaxies.While not all physically connected, several of the galaxies in the chain are interacting, providing valuable insights into galaxy evolution and cluster dynamics.

Notable members of the chain include:

• M84 (NGC 4374) – a giant elliptical galaxy.
• M86 (NGC 4406) – another bright elliptical galaxy.
• NGC 4435 and NGC 4438, often referred to as “The Eyes” because of their close pairing.
• Other galaxies such as NGC 4477, NGC 4461, and NGC 4458 are also part of the chain.

Some of the galaxies in the chain are gravitationally interacting, suggesting they are not just aligned by chance."  - Prof G.P.T. Chat visiting astrophysicist at the Jodrell Plank Observatory.