What is the Virgo Cluster?
Quick Answer
The Virgo Cluster is the nearest large galaxy cluster to the Milky Way. It lies about 54 million light-years away and contains more than a thousand galaxies.
The Full Story
The Virgo Cluster is a massive collection of galaxies in the direction of the constellation Virgo. It is the nearest rich cluster to our Local Group and serves as a major landmark in the nearby universe. Astronomers estimate it contains well over a thousand member galaxies, along with hot gas and dark matter. Its gravity helps shape the motion of nearby galaxies, including our own local cosmic neighborhood. The cluster is important for measuring distances and understanding galaxy evolution.
Key Facts
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