Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6478 = Sw. III-95 on 30 May 1886 and recorded "pB; S; eE; spindle." His position is 10 seconds west and 1.5' south of UGC 10998 (off by 2.2') and his description applies so the identification is certain. See notes on NGC 6466, which is not identical to this galaxy.

400/500mm - 17.5" (6/22/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 SW-NE. Appears brighter along the major axis with a bright core. NGC 6466 is 16' NNW. Located 23' N of 30 Draconis (V = 5.0).

600/800mm - 24" (7/15/15): moderately bright and large, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.3', brighter core. Appears mottled (perhaps dust) along the major axis. NGC 6466 lies 15' NNW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb