NGC 1012 is a barred spiral galaxy located approximately 60 million light-years away in the constellation Eridanus. It was discovered by astronomer John Herschel in 1834 and is part of the Hercules constellation group. This galaxy has a diameter of about 70,000 light-years and is notable for its bright central bar structure. NGC 1012 is classified as a type SBbc galaxy, indicating it has both a prominent bar and spiral arms, making it an interesting subject for astronomers studying galaxy formation and evolution.