NGC 4697 is an elliptical galaxy located in the constellation Virgo. It is approximately 50 million light-years away from Earth and is part of the Virgo Cluster, a group of galaxies that are gravitationally bound together. This galaxy has a diameter of about 100,000 light-years and contains a significant population of older stars. NGC 4697 is notable for its relatively low surface brightness and is classified as an E6 type galaxy, indicating its elongated shape. Observations of this galaxy have provided insights into the formation and evolution of elliptical galaxies.