William Herschel discovered NGC 4794 = H III-538 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and recorded "2 or 3 small stars with vF nebulosity." His position (CH's reduction) is 1' southeast of MCG -02-33-060 = PGC 44012, and the description applies. The H-designation of II-538 in the NGC is a typo.

400/500mm - 17.5" (3/23/85): very faint, small. A mag 14 star is at the WSW edge 33" from center and a mag 13 star is at the ENE end. In a group with NGC 4792 7' NNW and the NGC 4782/NGC 4783 pair 9' WNW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb