M49 is a small elliptical
galaxy located in the constellation Virgo. It was the first
member of the Virgo cluster of galaxies discovered by Messier in
1771. At a magnitude of 8.4, it is also the brightest of these
galaxies. M49 is believed to be about 160,000 light-years in
diameter, and is located approximately 60 million light-years
from us. It will be visible as a faint point of light with
binoculars. Large telescopes will reveal the fuzzy, nebulous
nature of this object, as well as its bright center.
