Journey to the Center of the Virgo Cluster
The Hubble Space Telescope has captured an image of the spiral galaxy Messier 88 (M88). Located about 63 million light-years away, M88 is known for its active center, which contains a supermassive black hole. This black hole is estimated to be 100 million times the mass of the Sun and is responsible for gas outflows from the galaxy.
- ▪Messier 88 is also referred to as NGC 4501.
- ▪The galaxy is situated in the constellation Coma Berenices.
- ▪The supermassive black hole at its center is consuming gas and dust.
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1 min readJourney to the Center of the Virgo ClusterHQ Web TeamJun 03, 2026 Image Article This NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image features the spiral galaxy Messier 88 (M88). ESA/Hubble & NASA, D. Thilker The focus of this NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image released on May 29, 2026, is an active spiral galaxy on a journey lasting hundreds of millions of years. The galaxy Messier 88 (M88), also known as NGC 4501, is located about 63 million light-years away in the constellation Coma Berenices (Berenice’s Hair). M88 is an active galaxy, which means that its center harbors a supermassive black hole that is snacking on gas and dust.
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