The M86 galaxy is located about 50 million light years from Earth, but it is traveling through space at an incredible speed.

In fact, its current orbit is directly towards us! M86 is moving at about 874,000 km (543,000 miles) per hour.

This enormous speed suggests that the galaxy is undergoing a process called “ram-pressure stripping”. During its motion, M86 encounters resistance from interstellar matter and loses some of its gas and dust, leaving behind a long tail of hot gas.

Astronomers use images like these captured by Hubble to better understand the structure and evolution of elliptical and lenticular galaxies.

Image description:

A hazy point of white light surrounded by several small stars shines against black space.

Image credits: ESA/Hubble & NASA, P. Cote et al.