page_title: NGC 4631
hierarchical_section_title: NGC 4631
caption_attribution_description: An en:ultraviolet image of NGC 4631 taken with en:GALEX. Credit: GALEX/en:NASA.
context_page_description: NGC 4631 is a barred spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici. This galaxy's slightly distorted wedge shape gives it the appearance of a herring or a whale, hence its nickname. Because this nearby galaxy is seen edge-on from Earth, professional astronomers observe this galaxy to better understand the gas and stars located outside the plane of the galaxy.
context_section_description: NGC 4631 (also known as the Whale Galaxy or Caldwell 32) is a  barred spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici.  This galaxy's slightly distorted wedge shape gives it the appearance of a herring or a whale, hence its nickname.  Because this nearby galaxy is seen edge-on from Earth, professional astronomers observe this galaxy to better understand the gas and stars located outside the plane of the galaxy.
caption: An ultraviolet image of NGC 4631 taken with GALEX.
  Credit: GALEX/NASA.
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