Observer's guide
About NGC 4472
NGC 4472 (M49) is catalogued as an elliptical galaxy in Virgo. Its J2000 position is RA 12:29:46.76, Dec +08:00:01.7, corresponding to 187.4449 degrees RA and 8.0004 degrees Dec. The local catalogue places it about 60,000,000 light-years away. Its referenced angular extent is approximately 8.24 by 6.85 arcminutes.
Observing tips
This is rated as a moderate target at magnitude 8.4. It is associated with spring observing, with midnight placement typically strongest around March. From 52 degrees north its theoretical meridian altitude is about 46 degrees; local horizons and the live altitude chart determine the practical window.
A small telescope under reasonably dark skies is a good starting point; use the live altitude chart to choose its highest point.
What to expect
The SIMBAD classification for the matched source is Sy2. SIMBAD records the morphology as E-E/S0. A published radial velocity value is 948.8 km/s. The SIMBAD record currently connects it to 2189 bibliographic references.
At roughly 8.2 arcminutes across, it benefits from a narrower field and adequate image scale. Use the listed 8.24 by 6.85 arcminute extent to check framing, and treat catalogue magnitude as integrated brightness rather than a direct measure of visual contrast.