Astronomy

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In 1994, the Hubble Space Telescope

found that the jet and emissions result

from a massive gravitational collapse deep

within the galactic core powered by a

gigantic black hole. Amateur telescopes

show the galaxy’s brilliant, not-quite-stellar

nucleus engulfed in a fainter round mist

that fades slowly toward the edge. M87

bears scrutiny with high magnifications,

but backyard scopes are just not enough to

show Curtis’ jet.

M84 and M86, a pair of elliptical

galaxies, are just 1.5° northwest of M87.

Only a third of a degree separates them,

so both easily fit into the same eyepiece

field. At first, they appear very similar,

each sporting a bright central core envel-

oped by dim halos of billions of faint stars.

A closer look shows M84 to be the smaller

and brighter of the pair, while M86 is

slightly oval.

There are also two fainter systems to

their south. Just 11' away is NGC 4387, a

tiny elliptical, while NGC 4388, an edge-

on spiral, is found a little farther south still.

Together, all four galaxies remind me of a

giant intergalactic happy face! M84 and

M86 mark the eyes, while NGC 4387 is the

nose and NGC 4388 the thin mouth. To see

all four, you’ll likely need at least an 8-inch

aperture.

The Sombrero Galaxy, M104, is 11°

due west of Spica [Alpha (α) Virginis] and

6.5° due south of 5th-magnitude Chi (χ)

Virginis, near an obscure 8th-magnitude

double star. This spectacular galaxy is well

known for its intense central core, broad

spiral-arm rim, and prominent dark lane.

The overall visual effect reminds many of a

Mexican sombrero.

Yes indeed, spring is definitely the season

of the galaxy! Take the next opportunity to

view some of the fine objects outlined here,

but don’t rush. You can also compile your

own list of the season’s finest.

Phil Harrington is a contributing editor

of Astronomy and the author of many books

on observing.

The center of the Virgo

Cluster contains two

elliptical galaxies,

M84 (top left) and

M86 (center), as well

as many other fainter

galaxies. GREG MORGAN

The Sombrero Galaxy

(M104) is a beautiful

edge-on galaxy with

a broad dust lane.

R. JAY GABANY

The elliptical supergalaxy

M87 contains 1 trillion

stars and a gigantic black

hole powering its center.