... Prominent in Markarian's Chain are these two interacting galaxies, NGC 4438 (left) and NGC 4435 - also known as The Eyes. About 50 million light-years away, the two galaxies appear to be about 100,000 light-years apart in this sharp close-up , but have likely approached to within an estimated 16,000 light-years of each other in their cosmic past . ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . NASA Official: Jay Norris. ... A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC . ...