John Herschel discovered NGC 7470 = h3969 on 30 Sep 1834 and recorded "eF; R; glbM; 60"; has a * 11m np 3' dist." There is nothing at his position but 0.8 min of RA east is ESO 239-009 and his description matches.

600/800mm - 30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x and 394x; fairly faint to moderately bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, ~50"x40", contains a small slightly brighter core and a patchy halo. A mag 12.5 star is 2.5' NW. Forms a pair with PGC 469486 1.9' SSW. At 394x, the (line of sight) companion appeared faint, very small, round, 10" diameter.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb