John Herschel discovered NGC 2601 = h3126 on 4 Mar 1835 and noted "F; R; gbM; 30"." His position is accurate.

600/800mm - 25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x; moderately bright and large, oval 3:2 ~WNW-ESE, ~1.2'x0.8', small brighter core. A mag 13 star is at the east edge, 44" from center. Situated in a very starry region including mag 11-11.5 stars 4' SE, 3' E and 2' NE, along with a mag 12 star 1.4' NW and other fainter stars.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb