NGC 4612NGC 4612 is a barred [lenticular galaxy] located about 57 million light-years away in the constellation of Virgo. NGC 4612 was discovered by astronomer William Herschel on January 23, 1784. The galaxy is a member of the Virgo Cluster.Physical characteristicsNGC 4612 has a diffuse bar embedded in a small, bright nucleus. Surrounding the nucleus, there is a very low-surface-brightness ring.