NGC 4297

NGC 4297 is a lenticular galaxy located approximately 55 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo. It is a member of the Virgo Cluster, a large cluster of galaxies dominating the Virgo Supercluster.

Lenticular galaxies, like NGC 4297, are intermediate between spiral and elliptical galaxies. They possess a bright central bulge similar to elliptical galaxies but also feature a disk-like structure, though usually without the prominent spiral arms seen in spiral galaxies. They typically contain little to no ongoing star formation.

NGC 4297 is classified as an SB0 galaxy, indicating a barred lenticular galaxy. The "SB" denotes the presence of a bar structure running through the center of the galaxy, while the "0" signifies the lenticular morphology.

The galaxy was discovered by William Herschel on April 23, 1784. Its apparent magnitude is around 12.6, making it visible through moderately sized telescopes.

Studies of NGC 4297 have contributed to a better understanding of the formation and evolution of lenticular galaxies within dense environments like the Virgo Cluster. Interactions with other galaxies in the cluster may have stripped away its gas and dust, halting star formation and leading to its lenticular shape.