Observer's guide
About NGC 4406
NGC 4406 (M86) is catalogued as a lenticular (s0) galaxy in Virgo. Its J2000 position is RA 12:26:11.74, Dec +12:56:46.4, corresponding to 186.5492 degrees RA and 12.946 degrees Dec. The local catalogue places it about 60,000,000 light-years away. Its referenced angular extent is approximately 9.34 by 6.6 arcminutes.
Observing tips
This is rated as a moderate target at magnitude 8.9. It is associated with spring observing, with midnight placement typically strongest around March. From 52 degrees north its theoretical meridian altitude is about 50.9 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 GiG. SIMBAD records the morphology as E-E/S0. A published radial velocity value is -306 km/s. The SIMBAD record currently connects it to 1129 bibliographic references.
At roughly 9.3 arcminutes across, it benefits from a narrower field and adequate image scale. Use the listed 9.34 by 6.6 arcminute extent to check framing, and treat catalogue magnitude as integrated brightness rather than a direct measure of visual contrast.