Markarian’s Chain

Description

Markarian’s Chain is the name of the curved chain of galaxies that arcs through this image. This chain is part of the Virgo Galaxy Cluster, the centre of which is about 54 million light years away. The Virgo Cluster contains about 1,500 galaxies and is estimated to have a total mass of about 10 quadrillion times the Sun’s (1 quadrillion = 1 million billion). This image captures just a small portion of the Virgo cluster. I also imaged this chain of galaxies in a much wider fieldalmost a decade ago.

Acquisition, focusing, and control of Sky-Watcher Wave 150i mount and other equipment with N.I.N.A. and Green Swamp Server. Primalucelab 3″ ESATTO focuser, ARCO rotator, GIOTTO flat panel and ALTO cover motor. Equipment control with Primalucelab EAGLE 6 Pro computer. All pre-processing and processing in PixInsight. Acquired from my SkyShed in Guelph. Acquired under above average transparency and seeing and moderate moonlight from April 19 – 27, 2026.

Sky-Watcher Esprit 120, QHY168C camera, Optolong L-Quad Enhance filter.

115 x 5m = 9hr 35m

Image scale 0.574 arcsec per pixel (with 2X Drizzle)

Copyright: Ron Brecher