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NGC 4697

Galaxy Good (48/100)

Elliptical

NGC 4697 Galaxy Virgo (Vir) Visible Level 3 Medium telescope (6-8") - Dark skies recommended
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Properties

Magnitude 9.3
Angular Size 7.1′ × 4.2′
Position Angle 83°
Distance 56.49 million ly
Galaxy Type Elliptical (E6)
vB, L, lE 45deg +/- , smbMN

Position & Identifiers

RA 12h 48m 36.0s
Dec -05° 47' 60.0"
Constellation Virgo (Vir)
Catalog NGC 4697

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200x TFOV: 0.2° Lim. mag: 14.2
N E

NGC 4697 · 7.1′×4.2′ · N up, E left

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About NGC 4697

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.

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