M86 · galaxy

Messier 86

Messier 86 is a bright elliptical or lenticular galaxy in the constellation of Virgo.

RA12h 26m 11sDec+12° 56' 46"

Image: ESA/Hubble & NASA, P. Cote et al.. CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Identity & coordinates

Identification

Primary designation: M86
All designations: M86 · NGC 4406
Object type: Galaxy
Constellation: Virgo
Best viewing: Spring

Coordinates & physical

Right ascension (J2000): 12h 26m 11s
Declination (J2000): +12° 56' 46"
Apparent magnitude (V): —
Distance: —
Redshift (z): -0.000747

III

Visibility tonight

The science

Messier 86 is a bright elliptical or lenticular galaxy in the constellation of Virgo. It was discovered by Charles Messier in 1781. M86 lies in the heart of the Virgo Cluster of galaxies and forms a most conspicuous group with another large galaxy known as Messier 84. It displays the highest blue shift of all Messier objects, as it is, net of its other vectors of travel, approaching the Milky Way at 244 km/s. This is due to both galaxies falling roughly towards the center of the Virgo cluster from opposing ends.

Summary adapted from Wikipedia · CC-BY-SA-4.0