John Herschel discovered NGC 4601 = h3405, along with NGC 4603 on 8 Jun 1834 and recorded "eF; L; R; pslbM. The first of 2." His position is 12 sec east and 1.6' south of ESO 322-050 = PGC 42492. This is the same offset in RA as nearby NGC 4603, discovered together.

600/800mm - 24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x, this Centaurus cluster member (AGC 3526) appeared moderately bright, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.5', broad concentration. Located 5.3' NNW of NGC 4603.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb