M84 + M86 (NGC4374 + NGC4406)
M84 and M86 are two of the most prominent members of Markarian’s Chain in the Virgo Cluster. M84 (NGC4374) is an E1/S0 lenticular galaxy with an active nucleus and radio jets. Despite its smooth appearance, it harbours a supermassive black hole that ejects plasma jets at relativistic speeds. M86 (NGC4406) is an S0/E3 lenticular galaxy falling towards the centre of the Virgo Cluster at high speed. Its interaction with intergalactic gas strips away its internal gas through ram pressure and leaves a trail behind it.
General information
- Constellation
- Virgo
- Category
- Galaxies
- Date
- 16 May 2026
Capture
- Total time
- 3 h
- Subframes
- 60 × 180 s with CLS, bin 1
- Gain / Offset
- 125 / 30
- Calibration
- 40 flat frames, 40 dark-flat frames and 50 library dark frames; without bias frames
Equipment
- Telescope
- TS102 f/5.6
- Camera
- ASI294MM at -10 ºC
- Filters
- CLS Astronomik
- Mount
- Sky-Watcher Wave 150i
- Guiding
- Guide scope 60 mm f/4 + ASI220MM + PegasusAstro UCH + PPBMicro with PHD2
- Focuser
- ZWO EAF
- Filter wheel
- ZWO EFW 7pos
Processing and environment
- Processing
- Stacked and post-processed with PixInsight 1.9.3
- Acquisition
- NINA
- Location
- l'Ampolla
- Sky
- Bortle 4