William Herschel discovered NGC 4795 = H II-21 = h1474 on 23 Jan 1784 (sweep 107) and recorded "A nebula, vF and of an irregular shape. 1/2° sp the following star [HD 112503]." JH made three observations, noted "a vS * included, f[ollowing]" and measured an accurate position. The "vS *" applies to NGC 4796!

400/500mm - 17.5" (4/4/92): moderately bright, fairly small, round, slightly elongated NW-SE, bright core, high surface brightness. Forms a contact pair with NGC 4796 attached at the east end, 27" from center. Located 3.9' S of a mag 10 star. NGC 4791 lies 4.7' W and NGC 4803 13' NE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb