NGC 4477 - (RL)SB0/a

NGC 4477

De Vaucouleurs Atlas Type: (RL)SB0/a

Filter: Ks

Telescope: OHP 1.2-m
North up , East left
Field Dimensions: 4.3 x 3.9 arcminutes

RC3 Type: SB(s?)0:
RSA Type: SB01/2/SBa
Surface Brightness Range Displayed: 13.5-21.5 mag per square arcsec
Absolute Blue Magnitude: -19.8

De Vaucouleurs Atlas Description:

The morphology of NGC 4477 is fairly unique among the galaxy population. A very well-defined bar is imbedded within an extensive lens -like envelope. This envelope has a fairly sharp edge and is slightly enhanced near the rim, and by itself we would interpret it as an (RL) outer ring -lens feature. However, outside this ring-lens , two broad diffuse arcs appear to bracket the galaxy around the bar major axis. In this respect, NGC 4477 resembles NGC 3081 in having a strong, closed outer R1 ring bracketted by spiral arcs. In NGC 4477 , the arcs are more like parts of an incomplete ring than a spiral, and we suggest that the galaxy has a highly evolved R1R2' double ring/pseudoring morphology. By ``highly evolved", we mean that normal characteristics such as the spiral nature of an R2' pseudoring, and the perpendicular alignment and dimpling of an R1 ring, have been largely erased. Both ring-like features are also exceedingly washed out. The bright arcs form the basis for our S0+ classification.