M87 - Virgo A
M87 is a supergiant elliptical galaxy and one of the most massive galaxies in the observable universe. It's famous for its relativistic jet and the first black hole ever imaged (Event Horizon Telescope, 2019).
Distance: 53.5 million light-years
Apparent Magnitude: 8.63
Apparent Size: 8' × 7'
Constellation: Virgo
Morphology: E0-1pec (giant elliptical)
Key Features:
- First black hole ever directly imaged (6.5 billion solar masses)
- Relativistic jet extending 5,000 light-years
- ~15,000 globular clusters (Milky Way has ~150)
- Central galaxy of Virgo Cluster
- Active galactic nucleus (blazar)
Best Imaging Season: March - July
Optimal Integration: 10+ hours for jet
