M87 (Virgo A) Complete Guide — The Giant Elliptical Galaxy in Virgo

Overview

Virgo A, also known as M87 (NGC 4486), is a massive elliptical galaxy sitting in the constellation Virgo. At an apparent magnitude of 8.6 and roughly 600,000 light-years from Earth, this is a challenging target best suited for experienced observers. Spring evenings offer the best window to track it down.

Elliptical galaxies have a smooth, rounded shape and are made up mostly of old stars. They contain very little interstellar gas or dust, so new star formation has essentially stopped.

Key Data

Physical Characteristics

This galaxy lies approximately 600,000 light-years away, shining at an apparent magnitude of 8.6.

The universe is thought to contain hundreds of billions of galaxies, but the ones listed in the Messier catalog are relatively bright — making them some of the most rewarding targets for amateur astronomers with modest telescopes.

Observing Guide

How to Find It

M87 (Virgo A) sits within the boundaries of Virgo. It transits around 8:00 to 10:00 PM in spring, placing it high enough for comfortable viewing. Start by identifying the brightest stars in Virgo, then use a star chart or planetarium app to zero in on the exact position.

Tips for a Better View

Dark skies and a telescope with good aperture make all the difference when hunting galaxies. Use low magnification to keep the field of view wide, and give your eyes at least 15 to 20 minutes to dark-adapt before you start looking. Patience really pays off here.

Recommended Equipment

A small telescope will get you started on this target. For the best results, head to a site with minimal Light pollution and use an instrument with at least 80 mm of aperture.

Astrophotography Tips

M87 is a popular astrophotography subject. An Equatorial mount for tracking is essential. Raise your ISO and shoot long exposures — anywhere from 30 seconds to several minutes — to pull out structural details invisible to the naked eye. Stacking multiple frames afterward will cut noise dramatically and produce a much cleaner final image.

Wrapping Up

M87 is an elliptical galaxy in Virgo that rewards patient, experienced observers. You will need a reasonably sized telescope, but the effort is well worth it. When spring skies clear up, give this one a try — it is a deeply satisfying target to capture.