NGC 4492 is a spiral galaxy located about 90 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo. 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. NGC 4492 lies in the direction of the Virgo Cluster. However, it is not considered to be a member of that cluster.
Physical characteristics
NGC 4492 has a relatively large bulge while showing signs of weak spiral structure. The spiral arms are also outlined by lanes of interstellar dust.
Virgo Cluster membership
NGC 4492 is listed in the Virgo Cluster Catalog as VCC 1330. However, distance estimates to the galaxy place it at a location far outside of the cluster's center. 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.
