Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4780 in 1880 and reported it in the narrative portion of list V (AN 2439). He mentions there are two nebula in the field to the north of NGC 4777, the western object being NGC 4773 and the following one new. He also gives a position in the table 2' too far south but correctly places this object 27.5 sec of RA following and 1' 10" north of NGC 4773.

400/500mm - 17.5" (5/17/90): faint, small, slightly elongated, low even surface brightness. Unusual appearance as a mag 14 is at the west edge and the galaxy extends to the east of this star. Forms a close pair with NGC 4780B 2' S (not seen).

Notes by Steve Gottlieb