NGC 4216

NGC 4216 is an edge-on spiral galaxy located not far from the center of the Virgo Cluster of galaxies. If the redshift of this galaxy was used to calculate the distance, it would be much smaller than expected. This is due to the internal motions of galaxies inside the Virgo Cluster. The entire group of galaxies is moving away from us, but NGC 4216 is moving towards us with respect to other group members. Thus, the net velocity for NGC 4216 is smaller than expected. Based on all information, this galaxy is roughly 40 million light years away. Inevitably astronomers will attempt to classify edge-on galaxies- which is often difficult due to the perspective we view them. In this case, many astronomers have measured aspects of this galaxy which lead them to believed it is a barred spiral galaxy, not unlike NGC 3953.

This image was taken as part of Advanced Observing Program (AOP) program at Kitt Peak Visitor Center during 2014.