- R55 minutes (11 frames)
- L50 minutes (10 frames)
- B30 minutes (6 frames)
- G30 minutes (6 frames)
Elliptical galaxy M86, also known as Messier 86 (or NGC 4406), is located in the constellation Virgo and is one of the nearest galaxies of this type. It was discovered by the French astronomer Charles Messier in 1781. M86 is elliptical in shape and does not have the bright spiral arms of other galaxies. Its stars move in a chaotic manner, which distinguishes it from spiral galaxies.
Structure and features
M86 is located at the center of the Virgo Cluster and forms a prominent pair with another large galaxy known as Messier 84. It exhibits the highest blueshift of all the Messier objects, since despite its other motion, it is approaching the Milky Way at a speed of 244 km/s. This is because both galaxies are moving towards the center of the Virgo Cluster, while being at opposite ends.
M86 is also associated with the highly disrupted spiral galaxy NGC 4438, to which it is connected through several filaments of ionized gas. This may mean that M86 has torn away some of the gas and interstellar dust from the spiral galaxy. M86 also undergoes ram-pressure depletion as it moves through the intergalactic medium, losing its interstellar medium and leaving behind a long trail of hot gas, which was detected by the Chandra space telescope.
Globular Clusters
M86 has a rich collection of globular clusters, numbering around 3,800. Its halo also contains several stellar streams, which are interpreted as the remnants of dwarf galaxies that were swallowed by this galaxy.
Observations and Availability
To observe M86 and its neighboring galaxy M84, you can aim your telescope almost exactly between the stars Beta Leonis (Denebola) and Epsilon Virginis (Vindemiatris). Both galaxies are visible in the same field of view with a low- to moderate-power telescope. Even small binoculars can be used for dark-sky observations, and larger binoculars are excellent on clear nights. Through a telescope, M86 has no clear structure due to its type, but its high surface brightness makes it attractive to observe in poor conditions.
Dynamics
M86 is moving toward the Milky Way at 940,000 mph (1.5 million km/h), which is a consequence of its orbit around the Virgo Cluster. It is on the opposite side of the cluster from us, heading toward its center.
Visibility chart of Elliptical Galaxy (M 86) during the day
| Date | Moon Phase | Exposure | CCD Temperature | Gain | Offset | Filter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
- 2023ixf•
- 40 Eri•
- Abell 74•
- Artemis A868 SA•
- a Canis Minoris•
- C 2020 R4 ATLAS•
- C 2020 T2 Palomar•
- C 2021 S3 (PANSTARRS)•
- Haumea (2003 EL61)•
- HCG 68•
- HCG 92•
- IC 1318B•
- IC 1396•
- IC 1795•
- IC 1805•
- IC 1848•
- IC 1871•
- IC 3322A•
- IC 342•
- IC 4015•
- IC 405•
- IC 417•
- IC 434•
- IC 443•
- IC 4703•
- IC 5070•
- IC 5146•
- IC 63•
- M 1•
- M 101•
- M 103•
- M 109•
- M 13•
- M 15•
- M 27•
- M 3•
- M 33•
- M 42•
- M 45•
- M 5•
- M 51•
- M 57•
- M 63•
- M 64•
- M 74•
- M 76•
- M 81•
- M 82•
- M 86•
- M 87•
- M 94•
- M 97•
- NGC 147•
- NGC 1491•
- NGC 1499•
- NGC 1579•
- NGC 1961•
- NGC 2146•
- NGC 2239•
- NGC 2403•
- NGC 281•
- NGC 4236•
- NGC 4565•
- NGC 4631•
- NGC 507•
- NGC 508•
- NGC 5866•
- NGC 5907•
- NGC 6503•
- NGC 6823•
- NGC 6888•
- NGC 6946•
- NGC 6992•
- NGC 6995•
- NGC 7000•
- NGC 7023•
- NGC 7129•
- NGC 7217•
- NGC 7331•
- NGC 7380•
- NGC 7538•
- NGC 7635•
- NGC 7640•
- NGC 7822•
- NGC 891•
- NGC 896•
- NGC 925•
- PGC 54559•
- Sh2-155•
- Sh2-168•
- Sh2 103•
- Sh2 109•
- Sh2 132•
- T CrB•
- UGC 6930•
- V1405 Cas•
- Vesta A807 FA•