| NGC 4536 | |
| Epoch: | J2000 |
| Type: | SAB(rs)bc |
| H Radial V: | 1808 ± 1 km/s |
| Appmag V: | 11.1 |
| Size V: | 7.6 × 3.2 |
| Constellation Name: | Virgo |
| Names: | UGC 7732, PGC 41823 |
NGC 4536 is an intermediate spiral galaxy in the constellation Virgo located about 10° south of the midpoint of the Virgo cluster. However, it is not considered a member of the cluster. Rather, it is a member of the M61 Group of galaxies, which is a member of the Virgo II Groups, a series of galaxies and galaxy clusters strung out from the southern edge of the Virgo Supercluster.[1] [2] [3] The morphological classification in the De Vaucouleurs system is SAB(rs)bc, which indicates it is a weakly barred spiral galaxy with a hint of an inner ring structure plus moderate to loosely wound arms. It does not have a classical bulge around the nucleus.
NGC 4536 has the optical characteristics of an HII galaxy, which means it is undergoing a strong burst of star formation. This is occurring prominently in the ring that surrounds the bar and nucleus. Based upon the level of X-ray emission from the core, it may have a small supermassive black hole with 104–106 times the mass of the Sun.
On March 8, 1981, a type Ia supernova was discovered 51 arcseconds to the northeast of the Galactic Center. Designated SN 1981b, it reached a peak visual magnitude of 12 on March 8 before steadily fading from view over the next two months. No prior supernova events have been observed in this galaxy.