William Herschel discovered NGC 4498 = H III-69 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and simply noted "S". His position is 30 sec of RA east and 6' south of NGC 4489, but the position should be 6' north. Heinrich d'Arrest measured the position twice, and questioned if it was same object as III-69. He noted "F, L, oval, 70" mininum dia. The nucleus is very faint. After repeated observation, it was seen as 90" long. Question is whether this is a Herschel object or not as differs in AR 22 sec and in Dec by is Herscheliana, or not, the former is to stop. Differs from ours in AR 22s, on in Dec by 3 1/2'.

400/500mm - 17.5" (5/23/87): fairly faint streak NW-SE, diffuse, brighter core. Forms a trio with NGC 4489 12' SW and NGC 402 11' SSE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb