Markarian chain
The local group of galaxies, the virgin, where our galaxy belongs, is important for us, as they are our neighbors. Over a thousand galaxies are known to belong to the Virgo cluster, the nearest galaxy cluster to us of our own local group. The "chain of Markarian» (Markarian chain- in honor of the astronomer who discovered -Principles 1960), is seen from the earth in a curved line.
Of particular interest are the two galaxies NGC 4438 and 4435, in the center of the image. From the right of the image appears first the M84, after the M86 and -in the center of the photo- follows the dual system of galaxies -the NGC 4438 and 4435-. They have been nicknamed " the eyes" because they are elongated to the same axis. In essence this is a possible system of "stellar cannibalism". The NGC 4438 is the main galaxy (merger galaxy), having kept most of his material from their clash. In contrast the other (NGC 4435) has lost most of. Indeed, NGC 4435 has relatively new aged stellar population, mainly in his central regions (190 million years old). The clash happened in the past. Estimated that approached each other at the distance of just 16.000 light years (the closeset estimated distance). Today it is estimated that spaced approximately 100.000 light years, i.e. away from one another. But it seems that additional gravitational forces of nearby galaxies, such as the M86, but the rest of the flock, played a role. Refrain from us about 40-50.000.000 light years.
Uncertainty surrounds the active mechanism of the core of NGC 4438, which is currently being investigated. This device may contain a star explosion or a black hole. Additionally, it appears that the desperse of the interstellar material of this galaxy, due to the eccentric collision of the two galaxies. This happens millions of years ago (that is, not so old in age). Investigated however the interaction with other nearby galaxies , such as the massive M86, which was confirmed by the discovery of many filamentary ionized gas connecting these two galaxies, as well as the discovery of gas and dust in M86 believed to have fled from NGC 4438.
Technical data for the photo :
4x15 mins (Luminance)
Takahashi FSQ106
QSI 683 camera
EQ6 Mount
Skyros Island, Greece 6 May, 2013.
During my involvement in photographing the "deep sky" I missed the accompaniment of music, as my musical experience guides me. So I decided to fill my astrophotos with my music. From September 2016 as a starting point, therefore, together with the Flaming Star Nebula, I present to You, the ‘Floydish Pulsar I’, as my first musical composition (composition, performance and production by me), always inspired by these images.
Parallel Words ! and Dancing Stars I, complete my first trilogy.
Emjoy !