This pencil thin galaxy is located in central Virgo about 2.6 degrees northwest of 3.9 magnitude Eta (15) Virginis. A 190X view in my 10-inch is rendered in the sketch at left. NGC 4179 shows surprising detail. The SO-type galaxy is aligned nearly north-south across a 120"x30" area. The central core is noticeably brighter and oval in shape. The core to the west of the galactic plane almost appears detached, as though separated from the eastern portion by a very thin, dark dust lane. A distinct four-star asterism stands east of the galaxy. Naked eye 10 Virginis, 5.9 magnitude, resides just one degree to the northwest.