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> M87 elliptical galaxy in Virgo

M87 elliptical galaxy in Virgo

author: R.Gendler/Novapix

reference: a-gax44-86004

Image Size 300 DPI: 33 * 22 cm

NGC 4486 (M87) is the largest and brightest elliptical galaxy within the northern Virgo Cluster at about 52 million light years from Earth. The galaxy also called Virgo A contains a notable active galactic nucleus that is a strong source of multiwavelength radiation, particularly radio waves. In 1918 astronomer Heber Curtis discovered a jet of matter coming from M87 which extends at least 5000 light-years from the nucleus of M87 and is made up of matter ejected from the galaxy, most likely by a supermassive black hole.

Keywords for this photo:

2006 - ACT260110 - ACTIVE GALAXY - ASTRONOMY - E1 - ELLIPTICAL GALAXY - GALAXY - JET - M87 - NGC 4486 - STAR - VIRGO - VIRGO CLUSTER -