Die Markarjan-Galaxienkette im Sternbild Virgo.

The structure of the eight-galaxy Markarian chain is investigated. A structural model with the order of distances 1b-3-4-5 is shown to have a higher probability than either of the two models studied by Meurers (1977). Analysis of the distance-velocity relationships of the galaxies using the optical-configuration regression line as the frame of reference for the radial velocities reveals that seven of the galaxies form a rigid chain system with equal angular velocity. Its right side (4406) is moving toward the earth at 1100 km/s, while the chain as a whole moves away from the earth at 700 km/s. The galaxy 4374 is found not to fit into this pattern, although it may follow the chain on its own special trajectory, perhaps a retrograde loop of Stroemgren class c.