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Lenticular or elliptical galaxy M86

Lenticular or elliptical galaxy M86 is in the constellation Virgo (Vir).

Equatorial coordinates (epoch J2000):
Ra (α):12^h26.2^m, Dec (δ):+12° 57'

Visual magnitude: 8,9^m
Distance from the galaxy M86 to the Sun is 56,7*10⁶ light years
Angular size: 9'×6'
Class: Е3 or S0
External dimensions the galaxy M86 are about 147000 light years.

Discoverer: Charles Messier, 18.03.1781 year.

The designation M86 in other catalogs: NGC 4406

Optimum magnification for a telescope with observations of M86, depending on the aperture of the telescope (D), is about D/6-D/3. Higher magnifications of course add details, but lead to a strong drop in the brightness of the image, making it difficult to observe.

The best month for observing M86 is May. At this time, the object is at midnight near its highest point in the sky, that is, it is less affected by light from the lanterns and atmospheric distortions.

For observers in the northern latitudes:the night sky in May is no longer very dark, so try also to observe M86 in April.
Of course, in April the object is at midnight not at its highest point, whichprovides the least exposure and atmospheric distortion. But, the darkness of the April sky greatly increases the contrast.The farther south the location of your observation is located, the darker the summer sky will be.

Мessier 85

Мessier 87

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