NGC 4244 is known as the Silver Needle Galaxy. It is located in Canes Venatici. It is a large Sc-type spiral galaxy that is seen edge on.

The Silver Needle's distance is uncertain, but it is believed to be located 6.5 to 14 million light-years away. It subtends an apparent angle of 15.9 x 1.8 arcminutes, and shines at a visual magnitude of 10.4.

NGC 4244 is part of the Canes Venatici I galaxy group, which is relatively close to our own local group of galaxies.

NGC 4244 can be found 4.75 degrees southwest of Chara (Beta Canum Venaticorum).

NGC 4244 was discovered by William Herschel in 1787.

North is to the top in the above image.

NGC 4244 Catalogs: NGC 4244, UGC 7322 Common Name: Silver Needle Galaxy Object Type: SA(s)cd? edge-on Galaxy Magnitude: 10.0v Size: 16.6' x 1.9' Constellation: Canes Venatici Image Field Centered At: RA: 12h 17m 29s Dec: +37° 48' 20"