NGC 4401 is a barred spiral galaxy located approximately 60 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo. It was discovered by the astronomer William Herschel in 1784 and is part of the Virgo Cluster, a group of galaxies that are gravitationally bound together. This galaxy has a diameter of about 70,000 light-years and features a prominent central bar structure, which is characteristic of barred spiral galaxies. NGC 4401 is notable for its bright core and well-defined spiral arms, making it an interesting subject for astronomers studying galaxy formation and evolution.