The Halo of Galaxy Messier 87

The huge halo around giant elliptical galaxy Messier 87 appears on this very deep image. An excess of light in the top-right part of this halo, and the motion of planetary nebulae in the galaxy, are the last remaining signs of a medium-sized galaxy that recently collided with Messier 87.

The image also reveals many other galaxies forming the Virgo Cluster, of which Messier 87 is the largest member. In particular, the two galaxies at the top right of the frame are nicknamed "the Eyes".

Credit:

Chris Mihos (Case Western Reserve University)/ESO

[See also: http://www.eso.org/public/images/eso0919a/]

About the Image

Id:eso1525a
Type:Observation
Release date:25 June 2015, 12:00
Related releases:eso1907, eso1525
Size:4001 x 4000 px

About the Object

Name:Messier 87
Type:Local Universe : Galaxy : Type : Elliptical
Distance:50 million light years
Constellation:Virgo
Category:Galaxies

Image Formats

Large JPEG
6.6 MB
Screensize JPEG
488.5 KB

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1024x768
414.7 KB
1280x1024
671.1 KB
1600x1200
939.6 KB
1920x1200
1.0 MB
2048x1536
1.4 MB

Coordinates

Position (RA):12 30 49.27
Position (Dec):12° 23' 27.89"
Field of view:96.66 x 96.63 arcminutes
Orientation:North is 0.0° right of vertical

Colours & filters

BandTelescope
Optical
V
Burrell Schmidt Telescope