Elliptical Galaxy M87 (also known as the Virgo A Galaxy, Virgo A, Messier Object 87, Messier 87, M87, or NGC 4486) is a giant elliptical galaxy dominating the Virgo cluster. It is one of the biggest known galaxies. Its relative closeness makes it a preferred target for studying the high-energy activities currently going on in its nucleus, suspected of holding a supermassive black hole. Astronomers believe that the black hole in this galaxy is approximately of 3×109solar masses.
Most galaxies are several thousand to several hundred thousand light years in diameter and are usually separated from one another by distances on the order of millions of light years.
Galaxies that emit high-energy radiation in the form of x-rays are classified as Seyfert galaxies, quasars and blazars.
Active galaxies that emit radio frequencies from relativistic jets erupting from the core are classified as Radio galaxies.
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