John Herschel discovered NGC 4940 = h3457 on 3 Mar 1837 and recorded "F; S; R; 15". The following of 2 [with NGC 4937]." There is only a single galaxy here, which his position matches. See notes for NGC 4937.

300/350mm - 14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): fairly faint to moderately bright, round, well-defined halo with a 30" diameter, moderately high even surface brightness. Situated 7.4' SSW of mag 6.4 HD 113537. NGC 4937, a small knot of 3-5 stars (asterism), is 2' NW. See that number.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb