NGC 4492
NGC 4492 is a spiral galaxy[4] located about 90 million light-years away [2] in the constellation Virgo.[5] NGC 4492 was discovered by astronomer William Herschel on December 28, 1785. It was rediscovered by astronomer Arnold Schwassmann on January 23, 1900, and was listed as IC 3438.[6] NGC 4492 lies in the direction of the Virgo Cluster. However, it is not considered to be a member of that cluster.[7] Physical characteristicsNGC 4492 has a relatively large bulge while showing signs of weak spiral structure.[7] The spiral arms are also outlined by lanes of interstellar dust.[8] Virgo Cluster membershipNGC 4492 is listed in the Virgo Cluster Catalog as VCC 1330.[8] However, distance estimates to the galaxy place it at a location far outside of the cluster's center.[2][7] Also, its radial velocity indicates that NGC 4492 is not gravitationally bound to the Virgo Cluster but is expanding away from it. Therefore, NGC 4492 is not a member of the Virgo Cluster but rather a background galaxy.[7] See alsoReferences
External linksWikimedia Commons has media related to NGC 4492.
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