M85, NGC4394 and friends

About the Object

Messier 85 and NGC 4394 form an intriguing pair of galaxies in the Virgo Cluster, representing two very different stages of galactic evolution within the same field of view.

M85 is a massive lenticular galaxy located about 60 million light-years away and is likely the product of past merger activity. Deep imaging reveals subtle outer shells and disturbed structures hinting at a dynamically active history. It is one of the more luminous members of the Virgo Cluster and likely hosts a supermassive black hole at its center.

Nearby NGC4394 provides a striking contrast. This barred spiral galaxy retains well-defined internal structure, including a prominent central bar and tightly wound spiral features rich in dust and star-forming regions.

Observation Notes

Data were taken on 2026 May 13, and 15, 16, 17, 18, and 22 (nights are getting short …)

Technical Details

View the full-resolution image together with complete acquisition and processing details on AstroBin.