NGC 4444

NGC 4444 is a spiral galaxy located approximately 67 million light-years away in the constellation Centaurus. It was discovered by the astronomer John Herschel on March 15, 1835.

Characteristics:

NGC 4444 is classified as a SAB(rs)c galaxy, which indicates the following:

• SAB: This means it is an intermediate spiral galaxy. Intermediate spirals fall between barred spiral galaxies (SB) and normal spiral galaxies (SA).
• rs: This indicates the presence of a weak inner ring structure around the galaxy's central bulge.
• c: This designates that the galaxy has loosely wound spiral arms. The spiral arms are relatively open and not tightly wrapped.

Location and Environment:

NGC 4444 resides within the Centaurus Cluster, a large galaxy cluster containing hundreds of galaxies. The galaxy interacts gravitationally with other members of the cluster.

Observational Data:

• Right Ascension: 12h 28m 15.7s
• Declination: -43° 15′ 57″
• Apparent Visual Magnitude: ~12.1