NGC 4596 is a barred spiral galaxy located in the constellation Virgo. It is approximately 60 million light-years away from Earth and is part of the Virgo Cluster, a group of galaxies that includes many other notable members. Discovered by the astronomer William Herschel in 1784, NGC 4596 has a bright central region surrounded by spiral arms filled with stars and gas. Its structure and composition make it an interesting subject for astronomers studying galaxy formation and evolution.