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Whale Galaxy

NGC 4631

Galaxy Excellent (72/100)

Barred Spiral

C32 Galaxy Canes Venatici Visible Level 4 Large telescope (10"+) - Dark skies recommended
Credit: NASA, STScI, WikiSky. License: Public domain. (Wikimedia Commons)
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Properties

Magnitude 9.3
Angular Size 14.4′ × 2.2′
Position Angle 86°
Distance 22000000 ly
Galaxy Type Barred Spiral (SBcd)
Spiral Galaxy [Distance: 22000000 ly]

Position & Identifiers

RA 12h 42m 07.9s
Dec +32° 32' 31.2"
Constellation Canes Venatici
Catalog C32

Visibility

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About Whale Galaxy

Description

The Whale Galaxy (NGC 4631) is an edge-on barred spiral galaxy in Canes Venatici, about 25 million light-years away. Its warped, wedge-shaped profile resembles a whale or herring, and it has a small companion galaxy, NGC 4627, riding above it like a calf.

Observing Tips

Visible as an elongated streak in a 6-inch telescope. An 8-inch scope shows the asymmetric shape and brighter central region. NGC 4656 (the Hockey Stick Galaxy) lies half a degree to the southeast. Best in spring evenings.

History

Discovered by William Herschel on March 20, 1787. Radio observations revealed an enormous hydrogen halo extending far above and below the disk, suggesting vigorous star formation activity.

Fun Facts

The Whale Galaxy has a massive radio halo of hot gas extending up to 25,000 light-years above and below its disk, likely driven by supernovae. Its companion NGC 4627 is a dwarf elliptical galaxy physically associated with it.

Community Photos (1)

Credit: NASA, STScI, WikiSky. License: Public domain. (Wikimedia Commons)

Credit: NASA, STScI, WikiSky. License: Public domain. (Wikimedia Commons)

Skybred Mar 2, 2026