Messier 87 Galaxy (IMAGE) Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian Caption The monstrous elliptical galaxy M87, located 53 million light-years from Earth is the dominant galaxy at the center of the neighboring Virgo cluster of galaxies. Astronomers have measured the 'heartbeats' of stars within M87 and used that data to determine the galaxy's age in a new way. This photograph was taken with the Hubble Space Telescope's Advanced Camera for Surveys instrument. Credit NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage Team Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.