George Johnstone Stoney or his brother Bindon Stoney discovered NGC 4116 on 6 Mar 1851. While observing NGC 4123 it was noted "another also E and vF, about 18' south-preceding." The actual separation is 14', but the identification NGC 4116 = UGC 7111 is certain. On 18 Apr 1855, NGC 4116 was sketched "U" shaped (open at one end) with the comment "a wedge-shaped division running downwards?" Christian Peters measured an accurate position and noted "RA and NPD in the GC [John Herschel's estimated position] not good."

400/500mm - 17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated NNW-SSE. Appears brighter along the major axis. NGC 4123 lies 14.1' NE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb