The constellation Virgo
is the site of an elliptical galaxy known as M87. This galaxy is
a member of a group of galaxies known as
Markarian's Chain, which
forms part of the Virgo Cluster. It is
located about 60 million light-years from Earth and has a
diameter of around 120,000 light-years. M87 lies within the
heart of the Virgo cluster. It is well known for huge system of
globular clusters that can be easily seen on long exposure
photographs. This galaxy also features an unusual jet of gaseous
material that extends out thousands of light-years. A supernova
explosion occurred in this galaxy in 1919 but was not discovered
until 1922 on photographs of the galaxy.
