John Herschel discovered NGC 4730 = h3431, along with NGC 4729 = h3430, on 8 Jun 1834. See notes for NGC 4729.

Helwan Observatory reported "No nebula here", based on photos taken with the 30" Reynolds reflector in 1919-20 but listed ESO 323-017 as a new nebula with description "F, S, stellar nucleus."

400/500mm - 17.5" (4/7/89): very faint, small. A star lies off the south edge. Forms a close pair with NGC 4749 2.8' WNW. Member of the Centaurus Cluster (AGC 3526). Misidentified in the RNGC as ESO 323-009.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb