Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4285 = Sw. III-66, along with NGC 4279 and 4280, on 6 May 1886 and recorded "eF; pS; R; 3rd of 3." There are only two galaxies here, but his position clearly establishes NGC 4285 = MCG -02-32-004 = PGC 39842. See NGC 4280.

400/500mm - 18" (5/8/04): very faint, small, elongated ~3:2 SW-NE, 35"x20", weak concentration. Forms a pair with slightly brighter NGC 4279 4' SW. Between the galaxies are a couple of faint stars (possibly NGC 4280).

Notes by Steve Gottlieb