Messier 84 (M84)

Lenticular galaxy at the heart of the Virgo Cluster's matter-rich Markarian Chain.

Core Principles & Analysis

• It lies along the chain of galaxies that arcs between M84 and M88.
• Gas velocities near its core betray a central black hole of hundreds of millions of solar masses.
• Two supernovae have been observed in it, in 1957 and 1991.

Specifications & Metrics

• GALAXY TYPE: Lenticular (E/S0)
• DISTANCE: ~60 million light-years