NGC 4504

NGC 4504 is a barred spiral galaxy located in the constellation Virgo. It is estimated to be approximately 50 million light-years away from Earth.

Characteristics:

NGC 4504 is classified as a SBc galaxy, indicating that it is a spiral galaxy with a central bar-shaped structure and loosely wound spiral arms. It is a relatively faint galaxy, with an apparent magnitude of around 12. Its size on the sky is relatively small.

Location:

The coordinates of NGC 4504 are approximately Right Ascension 12h 32m 00.0s, Declination +05° 19' 30". It lies within the Virgo Cluster, a massive cluster of galaxies that significantly influences the region's gravitational dynamics.

Observational History:

NGC 4504 was first cataloged as part of the New General Catalogue (NGC), a widely used compilation of astronomical objects. While its precise date of discovery is less readily available than some other NGC objects, it would have been observed visually or photographically through telescopes, contributing to our understanding of galaxy morphology and distribution in the universe.

Significance:

Studying galaxies like NGC 4504 helps astronomers understand the formation and evolution of galaxies. Its characteristics, such as its spiral structure and bar, provide clues about the processes that shape galactic structure over cosmic timescales. Being a member of the Virgo Cluster, it contributes to a broader understanding of galaxy interactions and the large-scale structure of the universe.