Virgo II Groups

Lore & Background

The Virgo II Groups are described as a series of at least 100 galactic clusters and individual galaxies that stretch approximately 30 megalight-years off the southern edge of the Virgo Supercluster. The article lists nine distinct groups within this cloud: the M61 Group, NGC 4030 Group, NGC 4179 Group, NGC 4697 Group, NGC 4699 Group, NGC 4753 Group, NGC 4856 Group, NGC 4995 Group, and NGC 5084 Group, each containing multiple member galaxies. Additional galaxies not assigned to a specific group are also included, such as M104 (the Sombrero Galaxy), NGC 4457, NGC 4487, NGC 4504, NGC 4517, NGC 4546, NGC 4586, NGC 4592, NGC 4597, NGC 4665, NGC 4666, NGC 4684, NGC 4701, NGC 5054, NGC 5170, and NGC 5247.

Reader's Guide

The Virgo II Groups are significant as a major component of the Virgo Supercluster's southern periphery, containing over 100 galaxies and clusters that help define the large-scale structure of the local universe. The article notes that this collection is also known by several names—Virgo II Cloud, Virgo Southern Extension, or Virgo S Cloud—indicating its role as a distinct substructure. Its extent of roughly 30 megalight-years and distance range of 55 to 80 million light-years place it as a nearby but separate system from the core Virgo Cluster. The listing of specific groups and member galaxies provides a detailed census of this region, which is used for studying galaxy formation, dynamics, and the distribution of matter in the supercluster. The inclusion of well-known galaxies like the Sombrero Galaxy (M104) highlights its relevance to both professional and amateur astronomy.

Did You Know?

• The collection stretches approximately 30 megalight-years (9,198,041.81 parsecs) off the southern edge of the Virgo Supercluster.
• The Sombrero Galaxy (M104) is listed as an additional galaxy in the group.