MESSIER 87 FACTS
The home of interesting Messier 87 galaxy facts for kids and adults.
Messier 87 Facts
Messier 87 is one of many galaxies that does not have a ‘usual’ name beyond its classification – although it is sometimes known as Virgo A due to its position within the constellation of the same name. The French astronomer Charles Messier discovered Messier 87, or Virgo A if preferred, and mistakenly catalogued it as a nebula.
What we have here are 10 more interesting facts about the galaxy known as Messier 87 that you may not know.
10 Facts about the Messier 87
1. Messier 87 is a supergiant galaxy.
Known as a supergiant galaxy, the Messier 87 is the largest elliptical galaxy that can be observed from Earth. A supergiant galaxy has a large halo of stars, and they can be observed toward the centres of some heavily populated galaxy clusters.
Did you know?
While Messier 87 is considered to be a true elliptical galaxy, there are no dust lanes and only a few star birth areas.
2. Messier 87 really is a huge galaxy.
Considered to be the largest, brightest and most massive galaxy in our local universe (an area of approximately 100 billion light-years).
Did you know?
It is estimated that the mass of Messier 87 is equal to 2.7 trillion solar masses.
3. Even Messier 87's supermassive black hole is extra massive.
The supermassive black hole that forms the core of Messier 87 is 6.5 billion times the mass of the Sun and measures approximately 24 billion miles across. As with all black holes, the gravitational field is something that not even light can escape from.
Did you know?
For a little perspective on just how enormous the black hole of Messier 87 is, earth is a touch under just 8 thousand miles across.
4. The Messier 87 galaxy has an impressive plasma jet.
Messier 87 has a jet of jet of plasma that has its roots in the black hole at its core. This jet extends outward to a distance of at 4.9 thousand light-years, moving at a rate that is relative to the position of the observer – this is called relativistic speed.
Did you know?
Viewing the plasma jet can be challenging but it can be observed using an amateur telescope, depending on excellent conditions.
5. Messier 87 is growing
Using a rather large telescope, astronomers have observed the already massive galaxy, a supergiant if you will, grow larger than ever. It has been confirmed that Messier 87 is growing, and expanding as it absorbs smaller galaxies and consumes concentrated pockets of matter.
Did you know?
M87 is home to several trillion stars, and that number will only increase.
6. Messier 87 has neighbours.
Nearby to Messier 87 there is a collection of galaxies that are arranged in two chain-like structures that are called the Markarian’s Chain. The structures can be observed by amateur astronomers that have good-sized telescopes.
Did you know?
When they are viewed from Earth, the galaxies of Markarian’s Chain lie along a smooth and curved line.
7. The Messier 87 galaxy is gassy.
The interstellar medium that is in the galaxy is filled with enriched gas. This enrichment comes from stars that died a very long time ago. Of course, the galaxy also contains dust.
Did you know?
Although there is dust within the Messier 87 there is far less than there is in the Milky Way, even though that galaxy is much smaller.
8. It’s a pretty interesting galaxy.
Scientists and astronomers are always studying Messier 87, precisely because of the plasma jet that was previously mentioned. This plasma jet can be observed using a range of methods such as radio emissions, optical lights and X-rays.
Did you know?
The detectors that are used in X-ray astronomy are used to measure the energy of X-ray emissions by counting X-ray photons
9. Part of the galaxy is rather bright.
There is a nuclear region of the Messier 87 galaxy that has become known as an active galactic nucleus. It has gained this name because of how bright it is in radio, visible and other light wavelengths.
Did you know?
The brightest known galaxy is the Spindle galaxy, also known as Messier 102.
10. The first direct photograph of a black hole.
The supermassive black hole that lives at the centre of Messier 87 is possibly the most famous of them all. It was because of the impressive plasma jet, but now it is because of the very first direct photograph of any black hole.
Did you know?
Black holes cannot normally be photographed, because of the way they act with light. This time however, a mammoth and global scientific effort managed to capture the very first image and thanks in large part to the plasma jet allowing such close observation.