Written by Eyde Hemphill
Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
Messier 84 (M84) is an enigmatic celestial object that has fascinated astronomers and stargazers for centuries. Located in the constellation Virgo, this elliptical galaxy is part of the Virgo Cluster, a massive collection of galaxies approximately 55 million light-years away from Earth. M84 was discovered by French astronomer Charles Messier in 1781 and added to his famous catalog of astronomical objects.
With its mysterious nature and intriguing features, M84 has become a subject of extensive study and observation. From its unique structure to its interaction with neighboring galaxies, there are many fascinating facts about M84 that leave astronomers astounded. In this article, we will delve into 17 enigmatic facts about Messier 84, shedding light on its peculiarities and contributing to our understanding of the vast universe.
Key Takeaways:
- M84 is a massive galaxy with a supermassive black hole, tidal tails, and ongoing star formation, making it a fascinating subject for astronomers studying the universe.
- Located in the Virgo Cluster, M84’s enigmatic features, including dust lanes, radio waves, and stunning Hubble images, offer a glimpse into the complex and dynamic nature of galaxies in our cosmic neighborhood.
M84 is one of the largest galaxies in the Virgo Cluster.
Spanning an impressive 125,000 light-years in diameter, M84 is a massive elliptical galaxy that dominates its cosmic neighborhood.
It was discovered by the famous French astronomer Charles Messier in 1781.
Messier included M84 as the 84th object in his renowned catalog of astronomical objects.
M84 has a prominent central bulge.
The galaxy’s central region appears compact and densely packed, giving it a distinct shape.
It hosts a supermassive black hole in its core.
M84 contains a supermassive black hole with a mass estimated to be around 300 million times that of our Sun.
The galaxy has a high concentration of globular clusters.
M84 is known for its abundance of globular clusters, compact groups of stars that orbit around the galaxy.
It exhibits a phenomenon called “tidal tails.”
Tidal tails are elongated structures that form when two galaxies interact gravitationally. M84 displays these tails, indicating a past interaction with another galaxy.
M84 is part of a larger galaxy group known as Markarian’s Chain.
Markarian’s Chain is a striking alignment of galaxies within the Virgo Cluster, and M84 is one of the prominent members of this group.
The galaxy is home to numerous dust lanes.
M84 has dark, dusty lanes stretching across its disk, giving it a textured appearance when observed in certain wavelengths.
It is undergoing a process of gravitational stripping.
M84’s interaction with the Virgo Cluster has caused it to lose some of its outer gas and dust content due to the strong gravitational forces acting on it.
M84 displays faint, extended outer regions.
Beyond its central bulge, M84 exhibits faint, diffuse regions that extend far into space, hinting at its complex structure.
The galaxy experiences ongoing star formation.
Despite being an elliptical galaxy, M84 shows evidence of ongoing star formation, with young, blue stars concentrated in certain regions.
It has a high velocity dispersion.
M84’s stars and gas particles move at high speeds, indicating the presence of a massive gravitational field within the galaxy.
The exact distance to M84 is still a matter of debate.
Astronomers have different estimates for M84’s distance, leading to ongoing discussions and research to determine its precise location in space.
The galaxy emits strong radio waves.
M84 is a radio source, emitting powerful radio waves that are believed to originate from its active galactic nucleus.
It is part of the subcluster named Virgo A.
M84 is one of the key members of Virgo A, a subcluster within the larger Virgo Cluster of galaxies.
M84 has a companion galaxy, NGC 4374.
NGC 4374, also known as M86, is a nearby galaxy that accompanies M84 within the Virgo Cluster.
The Hubble Space Telescope captured stunning images of M84.
The Hubble Space Telescope has provided breathtaking views of M84, revealing intricate details of its structure in unprecedented clarity.
These 17 enigmatic facts about Messier 84 (M84) shed light on the intriguing nature of this galaxy, showcasing its unique characteristics and contributions to our understanding of the universe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Messier 84 (M84) is a fascinating celestial object that continues to captivate astronomers and enthusiasts. Its enigmatic nature, from its unique structure to its intriguing characteristics, presents opportunities for further study and exploration. The 17 facts highlighted in this article offer a glimpse into the mysteries surrounding M84, showcasing its importance in our understanding of the universe.With its massive supermassive black hole and unusually high velocity dispersion, M84 is a prime subject for scientific investigation. By delving deeper into its properties, scientists can uncover valuable insights into galactic evolution and the formation of its intricate features.Whether you’re an aspiring astronomer or simply an admirer of the cosmos, Messier 84 is a celestial gem that ignites our curiosity and deepens our appreciation for the vast wonders of the universe.
FAQs
1. What is Messier 84?
Messier 84, also known as M84, is a lenticular galaxy located in the Virgo Cluster, approximately 60 million light-years away from Earth.
2. How big is Messier 84?
M84 has a diameter of about 60,000 light-years, making it slightly smaller than our Milky Way galaxy.
3. What makes Messier 84 enigmatic?
Messier 84 is enigmatic due to its complex structure, including its prominent dust lane, stellar stream, and the presence of a supermassive black hole in its center.
4. How does Messier 84 contribute to our understanding of the universe?
Studying Messier 84 helps astronomers unravel the mysteries of galactic evolution, supermassive black holes, and the formation of intricate galactic features.
5. Is Messier 84 visible to the naked eye?
No, Messier 84 is not visible to the naked eye. It requires a telescope to be observed, particularly under dark sky conditions.
6. Can Messier 84 support life?
Due to its location and lack of suitable conditions, it is highly unlikely that life as we know it could exist in Messier 84.
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.