William Herschel discovered NGC 4106 = H II-866 = h3379, along with NGC 4105, on 7 Mar 1791 (sweep 998). John Herschel made two observations, recording on 10 May 1834 (sweep 452), "The 2nd of a double nebula, B; R; pL; psbM; r; 25"."

200/250mm - 8" (5/21/82): faint, small, round. This is a close companion to NGC 4105 and is the slightly fainter and smaller of the pair.

400/500mm - 18" (5/28/06): eastern member of a close, striking pair with slightly brighter NGC 4105 just 1.1' west. Appears moderately bright, round, ~40" diameter, well concentrated with a bright, prominent core. The halo is fairly faint and increases in size with averted vision to ~55" diameter. This galaxy is slightly smaller with a less condensed core than NGC 4105.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb