John Herschel discovered NGC 2434 = h3096 on 23 Dec 1834 and measured it on 5 sweeps. His original description reads "pB, R, gpmbM, 35"." and his position matches ESO 059-005 = PGC 21325.

600/800mm - 24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this galaxy is located 16' NW of the remarkable barred spiral, NGC 2442. At 260x it appeared bright, moderately large, slightly elongated 5:4, ~1.0'x0.8' in diameter. Sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright core. Four mag 12 stars are nearby; three to the north and one to the southeast. Mag 6.9 Delta Vol lies 15' NE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb