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\nThis image from the\u00a0NASA\/ESA Hubble Space Telescope\u00a0shows the galaxy\u00a0Messier 86. Despite its being discovered over 235 years ago by astronomer\u00a0Charles Messier, the morphological classification of Messier 86 remains unclear; astronomers are still debating over whether it is either\u00a0elliptical\u00a0or\u00a0lenticular\u00a0(the latter being a cross between an elliptical and spiral galaxy).\n<\/p>\n
\nMessier 86 is part of the\u00a0Virgo Cluster\u00a0of galaxies and is situated about 50 million light-years from Earth. The galaxy is moving through space remarkably quickly \u00a0\u2014 its current trajectory is bringing it in our direction, back towards the centre of its cluster from the far side, at the incredible speed of over 875 000 kilometres per hour! Because of the speed with which it is moving through the cluster, Messier 86 is undergoing a process known as\u00a0ram-pressure stripping; the resistive\u00a0material filling the gaps\u00a0between individual cluster galaxies is pulling at the gas and dust in Messier 86 and stripping them out as the galaxy moves, creating a long trail of hot gas that is emitting\u00a0X-ray radiation.\n<\/p>\n
\nAstronomers are using these data to study elliptical and lenticular galaxies, both of which are often found at the centres of galaxy clusters. By studying the cores of these galaxies, astronomers hope to determine details of the central structure and to analyse both the history of the galaxy and the formation of its core.\n<\/p>\n