
The core of Virgo Cluster of galaxies is seen in this image. Most notable in the image are the giant elliptical galaxies M 87 (lower left), M 84 (middle right), and M 86 (left of M 84). These last two mark the end of the famous line of galaxies known as Markarian's Chain. The galaxies of the Virgo Cluster lie some 60 million light years from our Milky Way Galaxy.
This image is a composite from images taken with the Palomar Observatory's 48-inch Samuel Oschin Telescope as a part of the Second Palomar Observatory Sky Survey.