John Herschel discovered NGC 4401 = h1252 on 29 Apr 1827, while observing NGC 4395 (discovered by WH). He described "Two nebulae running into one another; both eF, vL, the following rather the brighter." JH's description most likely applies to the core of NGC 4395 and the brightest of the HII knots in this galaxy. Two additional knots (NGC 4399 and NGC 4400) were sketched at Birr Castle.

400/500mm - 17.5" (5/15/99): this number refers to the brightest HII region in NGC 4395, located ~2' SE of the ill-defined core. Fairly easy at 220x (the galaxy loses its identity at this power!), appearing as an irregular 25" knot. Off the south side is a second fainter knot (NGC 4400).

17.5" brightest of three knots in the galaxy NGC 4395 along with NGC 4399 and(NGC 4400. Appears fairly faint and fairly small. Forms a close pair with knot(NGC 4400 just SSW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb