NGC 4996 is a barred spiral galaxy located approximately 50 million light-years away in the constellation Centaurus. It is part of the Centaurus group of galaxies and is notable for its bright core and well-defined spiral arms. Discovered by the astronomer John Herschel in 1834, NGC 4996 has an apparent magnitude of about 10.5, making it visible through small telescopes. The galaxy exhibits features typical of barred spirals, including a central bar structure that influences the motion of stars and gas within it.