Galaxy NGC 4535

The galaxy NGC 4535 in Virgo (near the center of the photo). On the night of May 2, 2025, we had an astro outing and there was a short period of dark time during which I captured this galaxy. Even though astronomical night had already ended for us, satisfactory visibility of relatively bright galaxies is possible when the Sun is more than 15 degrees below the horizon. The galaxy is located over 50 million light-years from Earth. Like our Milky Way, NGC 4535 is a barred spiral galaxy. When observed through a small telescope, it has a hazy and even somewhat "ghostly" appearance. Because of this, in the 1950s, the renowned amateur astronomer Leland Copeland gave it the nickname "The Lost Galaxy." NGC 4535 is one of the largest galaxies in the Virgo Cluster. Another "Lost Galaxy," NGC 4526, is visible in the upper right of the photo.

Total integration: 28 minutes