John Herschel discovered NGC 1494 = h2601 on 28 Dec 1834 and described "F, L, R, vgvlbM, 70" dia." On a second sweep he called it "F, L, R, vglbM, 2.5'; has north of it a triangle of stars 12th mag." His position and description is accurate.

600/800mm - 24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, fairly large, oval 3:2 N-S, 2.4'x1.5'. Contains an elongated bar-like core with a suggestion of spiral structure and mottling (HII regions) in the halo. A distinctive trio of mag 12-12.5 stars (separations 30"-45") lie 3.5' N. Located 14' W of mag 7.9 HD 25315. Possible member of the Dorado Group.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb