C52
NGC 4697
Object Data
- Catalog Designation
- C52
- Type
- Galaxy
- Constellation
- Virgo
- Magnitude
- 9.3
- Right Ascension
- 12h 48m 36.0s
- Declination
- -05° 47' 60.0"
- Distance
- 76,000,000 light-years
- Angular Size
- 6
Survey Image
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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)
Skybred Mar 2, 2026