William Herschel discovered NGC 4963 = H II-663 = h1530 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "pB, vS, stellar, very near a small star, and to the north of it." very small stellar nebula." His position is 3.5' north-northwest of UGC 8190, but the description clinches the identification. JH made two observations and measured an accurate position.

400/500mm - 18" (7/1/03): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter. Symmetrical appearance increasing steadily to the center using direct vision. A mag 13 star lies 0.8' S of center. Located 5.2' NE of mag 8.6 SAO 44460 which has a close, faint companion. NGC 4985 lies 26' E.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb