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C52

NGC 4697

Galaxy Good (53/100)

Elliptical

C52 Galaxy Virgo Visible Level 3 Medium telescope (6-8") - Dark skies recommended
Credit: Own work. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. (Wikimedia Commons)
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Properties

Magnitude 9.3
Angular Size 7.1′ × 4.2′
Position Angle 83°
Distance 76000000 ly
Galaxy Type Elliptical (E)
Elliptical Galaxy [Distance: 76000000 ly]

Position & Identifiers

RA 12h 48m 36.0s
Dec -05° 47' 60.0"
Constellation Virgo
Catalog C52

Visibility

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About C52

Description

NGC 4697 is an elliptical galaxy in Virgo, about 40 million light-years away. It is the brightest galaxy in the southern extension of the Virgo Cluster and has a distinctive boxy shape visible in deep images.

Observing Tips

Visible as a moderately bright, oval glow in a 6-inch telescope with a brighter center. No structure is visible visually. Best in spring evenings when Virgo is well placed.

History

Discovered by William Herschel on April 6, 1784. Chandra X-ray observations revealed a population of low-mass X-ray binaries in this galaxy.

Fun Facts

NGC 4697 contains about 170 billion stars. Planetary nebulae detected in its outer regions have been used to independently measure its distance, confirming it as a Virgo Cluster member.

Community Photos (1)

Credit: Own work. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. (Wikimedia Commons)

Credit: Own work. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. (Wikimedia Commons)

Skybred Mar 2, 2026