Messier 86 (M86) is a lenticular galaxy located in the constellation Virgo. It was discovered by the French astronomer Charles Messier in 1781 and is part of the Virgo Cluster, a rich cluster of galaxies situated about 60 million light-years from Earth.
M86 is one of the largest and brightest galaxies in the Virgo Cluster, making it a prominent target for astronomers studying galaxy clusters and their properties.
Structure and Composition
As a lenticular galaxy, M86 exhibits characteristics of both spiral and elliptical galaxies. It has a bright central bulge surrounded by a disk of stars, but lacks the prominent spiral arms typically seen in spiral galaxies like the Milky Way. Lenticular galaxies are often considered transitional objects between spiral and elliptical galaxies, with features that reflect a mix of both types.
M86 is notable for its interaction with other galaxies in the Virgo Cluster. It forms a gravitational pair with the nearby spiral galaxy NGC 4438, also known as the “Eyes Galaxies” due to its distinctive appearance. The interaction between M86 and NGC 4438 has resulted in tidal distortions and asymmetrical features in both galaxies, indicating a complex history of gravitational interactions and mergers within the cluster.
Observations of M86 have revealed a significant population of globular clusters surrounding the galaxy. These globular clusters are dense collections of old stars that orbit the galaxy’s core, providing valuable information about its formation and evolution. The presence of these globular clusters suggests that M86 has undergone extensive star formation in the past, followed by a period of quiescence.
M86 also contains a supermassive black hole at its center, which is actively accreting material and emitting high-energy radiation. This activity classifies M86 as an active galactic nucleus (AGN), indicating ongoing processes of matter accretion and energy release associated with the central black hole. The presence of an AGN in M86 contributes to the galaxy’s overall energy output and may influence its surrounding environment.
As an elliptical or lenticular galaxy, M86 is not actively forming stars at a significant rate compared to spiral galaxies. Therefore, it generally contains lower amounts of neutral hydrogen gas, the raw material from which stars form. However, like many galaxies, M86 likely contains some amount of ionized hydrogen gas in its interstellar medium.
The ionization of hydrogen occurs when energetic radiation, such as ultraviolet light from hot stars or radiation from an active galactic nucleus (AGN), interacts with neutral hydrogen atoms, stripping them of their electrons. This process results in the production of ionized hydrogen, also known as H II regions. While M86 may not have as many H II regions as star-forming spiral galaxies, it can still contain ionized hydrogen gas, particularly in regions where there is ongoing star formation or near its active galactic nucleus.
Observation
With an apparent magnitude of approximately 8.9, M86 is visible with amateur telescopes under dark sky conditions. It appears as a bright, elongated object in the eyepiece, with its distinctive lenticular shape becoming apparent when viewed with higher magnification.
It is challenging to spot with binoculars due to its relatively faint apparent magnitude of approximately 8.9. While technically visible with binoculars under optimal viewing conditions, it may appear as a faint, fuzzy patch of light and can be easily overlooked amidst the background of stars. Mounting the binoculars on a tripod will increase your chances of seeing it.
M86 can be observed from both hemispheres as it lies close to the celestial equator in the constellation of Virgo. During spring (or autumn in the southern hemisphere), M86 rises earlier in the evening and is well-placed for observation in the late evening and early morning hours. This period offers optimal viewing conditions for M86 and other objects in the constellation Virgo.
Observing M86 and its interactions with neighbouring galaxies provides valuable insights into the dynamics and evolution of galaxies within the Virgo Cluster and beyond.
