William Herschel discovered NGC 4606 = H III-43 = h1382 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and simply noted "a nebula". His position was 2.5' too far southwest. John Herschel made 3 observations (earliest on 11 Apr 1825, sweep 3) and recorded on 25 Mar 1830 (sweep 245), "vF; a curious object; 2 or 3 vF stars form a line with an oblique ray of neb." Nearby NGC 4607 was missed by both Herschels.

300/350mm - 13" (4/16/83): faint, small, very elongated SSW-NNE. Two stars are at the south edge. Located 20' NW of M59.

400/500mm - 17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, very elongated SW-NE. A mag 13.5 star is superimposed on the SSW end 0.5' from center and a mag 14 star is at the SSW edge 1.1' from center. Forms a pair with NGC 4607 3.8' ESE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb