Messier 90 (M90) is a spiral galaxy located in the Virgo constellation. It was discovered by Charles Messier in 1781 and is part of the Virgo Cluster, a large group of galaxies located approximately 55 million light-years away from Earth.
Physical Characteristics
M90 is a barred spiral galaxy, meaning it has a central bar-shaped structure surrounded by spiral arms. The galaxy has a diameter of approximately 120,000 light-years and contains an estimated mass of 2.6 trillion solar masses.
The galaxy’s spiral arms are well-defined and contain a large number of young stars, gas clouds, and star-forming regions. The nucleus of M90 is also very active, with evidence of a supermassive black hole at its center.
Luminosity and Structure
M90 is a remarkably luminous galaxy, emitting a large amount of energy in the optical and infrared wavelengths. The galaxy’s luminosity is primarily due to the presence of a large number of young stars and active star-forming regions within its spiral arms.
The structure of M90 is typical of spiral galaxies, with a central bulge, a surrounding disk, and spiral arms that extend outward from the disk. The galaxy’s disk is relatively thick, giving it a somewhat boxy appearance.
Distance and Velocity
The distance to M90 has been estimated using various methods, including the redshift of its light and its apparent brightness. Current estimates place the galaxy approximately 55 million light-years away from Earth.
The galaxy is moving away from Earth at a velocity of approximately 660 kilometers per second. This velocity has been determined by measuring the redshift of M90’s light.
Membership in the Virgo Cluster
M90 is a member of the Virgo Cluster, one of the largest and most massive galaxy clusters in the nearby universe. The cluster contains over 1,500 galaxies, including many other spiral galaxies.
The proximity of M90 to other galaxies in the cluster has likely influenced its evolution. Interactions with neighboring galaxies can cause galaxies to change their shape, structure, and star-forming activity.
Observational History
M90 was first discovered by Charles Messier in 1781 and cataloged as object number 90 in his list of nebulous objects. The galaxy was later studied by other astronomers, including William Herschel, who described it as a "very faint nebula."
In the 20th century, M90 became the subject of more detailed observations using telescopes and spectroscopic techniques. These studies revealed the galaxy’s spiral structure, active nucleus, and membership in the Virgo Cluster.
Scientific Significance
M90 is an important object of study for astronomers because it provides insights into the evolution and structure of spiral galaxies. The galaxy’s proximity to Earth allows scientists to observe it in great detail.
Studies of M90 have helped astronomers understand the relationship between star formation and galaxy structure. The galaxy’s active nucleus is also a source of interest for understanding the nature of supermassive black holes and their role in galaxy evolution.
Table of Messier 90’s Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Spiral galaxy |
| Constellation | Virgo |
| Diameter | 120,000 light-years |
| Mass | 2.6 trillion solar masses |
| Distance from Earth | 55 million light-years |
| Velocity | 660 kilometers per second |
| Membership | Virgo Cluster |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What type of galaxy is Messier 90?
A: Messier 90 is a spiral galaxy.
Q: How far away is Messier 90 from Earth?
A: Messier 90 is approximately 55 million light-years away from Earth.
Q: What is the diameter of Messier 90?
A: Messier 90 has a diameter of approximately 120,000 light-years.
Q: Is Messier 90 a member of a galaxy cluster?
A: Yes, Messier 90 is a member of the Virgo Cluster.
Q: What is the significance of Messier 90?
A: Messier 90 is an important object of study for astronomers because it provides insights into the evolution and structure of spiral galaxies.
Galaxy
A galaxy is a large, gravitationally bound system of stars, stellar remnants, interstellar gas, dust, and dark matter. The word "galaxy" is derived from the Greek word "galaxias" (γαλαξίας), meaning "milky", a reference to the Milky Way galaxy that contains the Sun and Earth. Galaxies range in size from dwarf galaxies with a few billion stars to giant galaxies with hundreds of billions of stars.
Galaxies are classified into different types based on their appearance. The main classifications are:
- Elliptical galaxies: These galaxies have a smooth, elliptical shape and lack a visible disk.
- Spiral galaxies: These galaxies have a central bulge and a disk of stars and gas that form spiral arms.
- Barred spiral galaxies: These galaxies are similar to spiral galaxies, but they have a bar-like structure running through the center.
- Irregular galaxies: These galaxies have no regular shape and do not fit into any of the other classifications.
The Milky Way galaxy is a barred spiral galaxy with an estimated 100-400 billion stars. It contains a central supermassive black hole and is part of a group of galaxies known as the Local Group. The Andromeda Galaxy is the closest major galaxy to the Milky Way and is also a barred spiral galaxy.
Types of Spiral Galaxies
Spiral galaxies are characterized by their flattened, disk-shaped structure with prominent spiral arms that extend from the center. They are classified based on the shape of their bulge and the tightness of their spiral arms.
- Sa: Bright central bulge with tightly wound spiral arms.
- Sb: Smaller bulge and wider spiral arms compared to Sa.
- Sc: Diffuse bulge and loosely wound spiral arms.
- Sd: Very faint or absent bulge with open, irregular spiral arms.
- Sdm: Intermediate between Sc and Sdm, with a small bulge and moderately open spiral arms.
- Sm: No central bulge, no spiral arms, only a central concentration.
Hubble Space Telescope
The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is a joint project between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). It was launched into orbit in 1990 and has transformed our understanding of the universe.
Key Features:
- Aperture: 2.4-meter primary mirror
- Orbit: LEO (Low Earth Orbit), 547 km above Earth
- Scientific Instruments: Includes cameras, spectrographs, and spectrometers
Accomplishments:
- Provided stunning images of distant galaxies, stars, and nebulae
- Discovered new planets and moons in our solar system
- Measured the expansion rate of the universe
- Determined the age of the universe (13.8 billion years)
- Observed the birth and death of stars
Significance:
The HST has been instrumental in revolutionizing astronomy and astrophysics. It has:
- Expanded our knowledge of the cosmos
- Inspired generations of scientists and students
- Captured iconic images that have become symbols of scientific exploration
Star
Stars are celestial objects that emit their own light and heat. They are composed primarily of hydrogen and helium, and are powered by nuclear fusion reactions that occur in their cores. Stars vary greatly in size, mass, and temperature, and can range from relatively small and cool to massive and extremely hot. The Sun is a star, and it is the closest star to Earth.
Messier Object
Messier objects are a catalog of 110 deep-sky astronomical objects compiled by French astronomer Charles Messier between 1758 and 1781. The catalog was intended to help Messier distinguish between comets and nebulae, as both can appear as faint, fuzzy objects in the night sky.
The Messier objects include a variety of deep-sky objects, including:
- Star clusters
- Nebulae
- Galaxies
- Planetary nebulae
Messier objects are located throughout the night sky, but they are most concentrated in the northern hemisphere. The brightest Messier object is the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), which is visible to the naked eye on clear nights.
Messier objects are often used as targets for amateur astronomers, as they are relatively easy to find and observe. They are also a popular subject for astrophotography.
Galaxy Cluster
A galaxy cluster is a gravitationally bound system of galaxies. Galaxy clusters are the largest known gravitationally bound structures in the universe. They typically contain hundreds or even thousands of galaxies, and can have a mass of up to 10^15 solar masses. Clusters are often found at the intersections of large-scale filaments of galaxies known as cosmic webs. Galaxy clusters are important for understanding the formation and evolution of galaxies, as well as the large-scale structure of the universe.
Virgo Cluster
The Virgo Cluster is a large and nearby galaxy cluster located in the constellation Virgo. It is the closest major galaxy cluster to the Milky Way and contains over 1,300 member galaxies. The cluster is dominated by the elliptical galaxy M87 and has a mass of about 10^15 solar masses. The Virgo Cluster is notable for its high density of galaxies, its complex structure, and its ongoing mergers and interactions. It is an important laboratory for studying the formation and evolution of galaxies and galaxy clusters.
Spiral Galaxy in the Virgo Cluster
The Virgo Cluster contains countless celestial objects, including galaxies. Spiral galaxies, characterized by their distinctive spiral arms, are prevalent within the cluster. These galaxies showcase a remarkable range of sizes, shapes, and structures, providing valuable insights into galactic evolution. The Virgo Cluster offers astronomers a unique opportunity to study the properties and behaviors of spiral galaxies in a relatively dense environment.
Hubble Space Telescope Image of Messier 90
Messier 90, also known as NGC 4569, is a spiral galaxy located approximately 60 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo. This Hubble Space Telescope image reveals a grand spiral structure with extensive star formation regions, dominated by blue-hued young stars. The galaxy exhibits a prominent central bar and tightly wound spiral arms, giving it a distinctive "Sombrero" appearance. The image also showcases a faint outer ring and dust lanes within the spiral arms, providing insights into the galaxy’s complex structure and evolutionary history.
Distance to Messier 90
Messier 90 is a spiral galaxy located approximately 60 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo. It is one of the brightest galaxies in the Virgo Cluster and is easily visible with binoculars or a small telescope. The galaxy is estimated to be about 100,000 light-years across and contains approximately 100 billion stars. Messier 90 is notable for its high rate of star formation, with numerous young stars and star clusters visible throughout the galaxy.
Messier 90 Location
Messier 90 (M90) is a spiral galaxy located in the constellation Virgo. It is part of the Virgo Cluster, a large cluster of galaxies approximately 56 million light-years away. M90 has an apparent magnitude of 9.5 and can be observed with a small telescope.
Messier 90 Size
Messier 90 spans approximately 10 arc minutes across, corresponding to a physical diameter of around 9,200 light-years at its estimated distance of 22.5 million light-years. This makes it one of the larger and more prominent spiral galaxies in the Virgo Supercluster.
Messier 90 Age
Messier 90 (M90) is a spiral galaxy in the Virgo constellation. Studies have estimated its age to be around:
- 14 billion years: Based on stellar population modeling, M90 is believed to be one of the oldest galaxies in the universe, forming early in the cosmic timeline.
Messier 90 Stars
Messier 90 is a spiral galaxy located approximately 60 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo. It is a member of the Virgo Cluster and is classified as an Sb type galaxy. The galaxy has a diameter of about 60,000 light-years and is home to an estimated 200 billion stars.
The stars in Messier 90 are mainly old and red, with a small population of young and blue stars. The galaxy also contains a central black hole with a mass of about 100 million solar masses. The black hole is surrounded by a dense cluster of stars, which is believed to be the remnant of the galaxy’s nucleus.
Messier 90 is a relatively faint galaxy, with an apparent magnitude of +9.5. It is best observed with a large telescope or binoculars under dark skies. The galaxy is a popular target for amateur astronomers, as it is one of the most distant objects that can be seen with the naked eye.
Messier 90 Future
- Messier 90 will gradually become less visible as it recedes from Earth.
- In approximately 100,000 years, it will be too faint to be seen with the naked eye.
- Over the next billion years, the galaxy will continue to move away from the Milky Way, eventually becoming part of the Andromeda-Milky Way merger.
- During the merger, Messier 90 will be disrupted and its stars and gas will be absorbed into the larger galaxy.
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