                        Astronomy Picture of the Day

    Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our
      fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation
                    written by a professional astronomer.

                                 2026 May 1

                              Markarian's Chain
                    Image Credit & Copyright: Chuck Ayoub

   Explanation: Near the heart of the Virgo Galaxy Cluster, a string of
   galaxies known as Markarian's Chain stretches across this telescopic
   field of view. Anchored in the frame at bottom right by prominent
   lenticular galaxies, M84 (bottom) and M86, you can follow the chain's
   gentle arc up and toward the left. Near center you'll spot the pair of
   interacting galaxies NGC 4438 and NGC 4435, known to some as
   Markarian's Eyes. An estimated 50 million light-years distant, the
   Virgo Cluster itself is the nearest galaxy cluster. With up to about
   2,000 member galaxies, it has a noticeable gravitational influence on
   our own Local Group of Galaxies. Within the Virgo Cluster at least
   seven galaxies in Markarian's Chain appear to move coherently, while
   others may appear to be part of the chain by chance.

                      Tomorrow's picture: seeing Titan
     __________________________________________________________________

       Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP)
            NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply.
                  NASA Web Privacy, Accessibility, Notices;
                      A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC,
                           NASA Science Activation
                             & Michigan Tech. U.

