NGC 4631 is a barred spiral galaxy located approximately 25 million light-years away in the constellation Canes Venatici. It is often referred to as the "Whale Galaxy" due to its elongated shape, resembling a whale swimming through space. NGC 4631 spans about 100,000 light-years in diameter and is notable for its bright central bar and prominent dust lanes. This galaxy is part of a group that includes several other galaxies, such as NGC 4627 and NGC 4656. NGC 4631 is also known for its active star formation regions, which can be observed in its spiral arms. It is a popular target for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers.