M84

Alt. Designations: NGC 4374, M84
Object Type: Lenticular Galaxy
Constellation: Virgo
Distance: 60 mly
Right Ascension: 12h 25m 03.6s
Declination: +12° 53´ 13"
Visual Magnitude: 9.3
Apparent Dimension: 6.5´ x 5.6´
Best Month To View: Apr

The constellation Virgo is the location of a small and dim galaxy known as M84. It was originally thought to be an elliptical galaxy. But more recent evidence suggests that is it actually a face-on lenticular galaxy. Lenticular galaxies are characterized by a disk shape with no conspicuous structure. M84 is a member of a group of galaxies known as Markarian's Chain, which forms part of the Virgo Cluster.  This galaxy was the site of a supernova in 1957 and two others in 1980 and 1991. It is located about 60 million light-years from Earth. With a magnitude of only 9.3, it is best suited for viewing with a large telescope.