M49 (NGC 4472) Elliptical Galaxy in Virgo
One Very Big Galaxy
The large Elliptical Galaxy, M 49, is the most luminous galaxy of the 2,000+ galaxies of the
Virgo Cluster. In addition, it is reported to have approximately 6,300 globular clusters in its
halo (the Milky Way galaxy has less than 200). Even at a distance of over
52-million-light-years, it is an easy target in my 6.1-inch telescope from my light-polluted
suburban backyard.
Virgo Cluster. In addition, it is reported to have approximately 6,300 globular clusters in its
halo (the Milky Way galaxy has less than 200). Even at a distance of over
52-million-light-years, it is an easy target in my 6.1-inch telescope from my light-polluted
suburban backyard.