NGC 4762, a nearly edge-on barred spiral in Virgo. POSS/DSS photo.

Easily located just over two degrees west of Epsilon Virginis, this bright galaxy is a fascinating sight. This is classified as a barred spiral galaxy and, since we are viewing it nearly edge-on, the disk appears very thin and the central bulge is prominent. In an observation in 1999 with a 12-inch telescope I saw mottling along the disk and even suspected a dark lane running through the center.

While in the area, be sure to check out NGC 4754, only 11 arc-minutes northwest.

How to get there:

NGC 4762 lies 2.3° west of Epsilon Virginis.

Finder chart for NGC 4762