John Herschel discovered NGC 4905 = h3451, along with NGC 4903 = h3450, on 30 Mar 1835 and logged "vF; vS; R; slbM. The following of 2 [with NGC 4903]. His position is 3.3' south of ESO 443-031 and actually falls closer to ESO 433-034, but the difference of 7 sec in RA is accurate.

400/500mm - 18" (3/17/07): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, weak concentration with a slightly brighter core. In a trio with NGC 4905 4.3' SSW and E443-034 3.5' SE. Located 4.3' SW of mag 7.4 HD 113129 which detracts from viewing. ESO 443-039 lies 20' ENE and NGC 4396 is 41' NE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb