NGC 4856
galaxy
NGC 4856 is a barred lenticular galaxy in the constellation Virgo. The galaxy lies about 75 million light years away from Earth, which means, given its apparent dimensions, that NGC 4856 is approximately 90,000 light years across. It was discovered by William Herschel on February 8, 1785. The galaxy is included in the Herschel 400 Catalogue. It is small but obvious when observed by a telescope, appearing as a concentrated and elongated glow. It lies 3.25 degrees northwest of 53 Virginis.