NGC 4596

NGC 4596 is a barred lenticular galaxy located about 55 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo. NGC 4596 was discovered by astronomer William Herschel on March 15, 1784. NGC 4596 is a member of the Virgo Cluster and has an inclination of about 38°.

Physical characteristics

NGC 4596 has a strong bar with bright ansae at the ends. Two diffuse spiral arms branch off from the ends of the bar and form an inner pseudoring that is well-defined. The spiral arms continue out and fade rapidly in the bright outer disk.

NGC 4596 has a supermassive black hole with an estimated mass of 78 million suns.