NGC 2000 = ESO 056-SC135 = S-L 493

05 27 29 -71 52 48

V = 12.1; Size 1.5'

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): fairly bright, moderately large LMC cluster, slightly elongated, 50" diameter, very mottled, contains a brighter and denser core. The halo is resolved into many mag 14.5-16 stars, particularly on the south and west side. Located on the south end of the LMC, 25' SW of NGC 2025.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2000 = h2889 on 8 Feb 1836 and described as "F; R; vlbM; 60"." His position (single sweep) is accurate.

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NGC 2001 = ESO 056-SC137 = S-L 507 = LH 64

05 29 02 -68 46 12

V = 9.5; Size 7.3'x3.6'

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): a gorgeous, elongated star cloud/association (LH 64), extending 7'x2.5' NNE-SSW. Roughly 65 stars, including a number of mag 12-13 stars are resolved in this region over a glowing background. A mag 10.7 star is at the southwest end and a non-stellar mag 12 knot (KMHK 955) is north of center. A curving chain of a dozen stars pokes out of the west side and heads south towards S-L 495 (3.4' W of the mag 10.7 star). S-L 495 is a very bright, very small knot, 20" diameter. It was difficult to resolve this clump, but a few stars popped. A mag 12.5 star is just off the west edge. LH 58, a stunning large star cloud and HII complex including NGCs 1962, 1965, 1966 and 1970, lies roughly 13' WSW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2001 = h2888 on 30 Dec 1836 and recorded "the middle of the most condensed part of a cluster of stars 13th mag which runs off to the south-preceding and joins No. 39 of this sweep." In a separate entry on the same sweep he also mentioned "Here commences a very starry or resolved region of the greater Nubecula."

James Dunlop possibly discovered this association earlier on 25 Sep 1826, recording D 178 as "a small faint nebula with a ray proceeding from it, about 6' or 7' long; a small star is involved in the preceding extremity of the ray." Dunlop's position is 11' ENE of the cluster and Herschel noted the possible equivalence of D 178. Glen Cozens equates NGC 2001 = D 136, which was recorded as "a faint confused pretty large nebula. There are a multitude of small nebulae in this place." The position is D 136 is ~12' SSW of the association and actually falls much closer to NGC 1983. So, I don't see how a specific assignment can be made without additional information, such as similar offsets on the same night.

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NGC 2002 = ESO 086-SC3 = S-L 517

05 30 21.0 -66 53 02

V = 10.1; Size 1.9'x1.7'

24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x this cluster is extremely bright but small. It is sharply concentrated with a small, brilliant core surrounded by a much fainter 30" halo. At 346x, the core diameter is ~15" diameter and three interior stars are resolved, the brightest on the southeast side. Sharing the same field 8' SE is the double cluster NGC 2006 and S-L 538.

NGC 2002 is at the west end of a huge, arcing string of associations (bowed to the south) referred to as LH 77 or the "Quadrant", which extends nearly 40' to the east beyond NGC 2041. The Quadrant, itself, defines the southern rim of the huge LMC-4 Superbubble, a ring of HII regions and clusters spanning 6000 l.y.

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2002 = D 214 on 24 Sep 1826 and recorded a "a round small nebula, 12" or 15" diameter." He made two observations and his position is 4.7' SW of the cluster. JH credited Dunlop with the discovery.

JH made two observations for h2890. On 20 Dec 1835 he logged "place of a double star, the chief of a great cluster of small stars loose and filling the field. It is the forerunner of the great cluster-region [OB association LH 77] of the nubecula." On a second sweep he called it "vB, S, R. Here comes on the richest and brightest part of the starry and clustering portion of the nubecula. (Note - From this object being described at one time as a double star, and at another as a nebula, it is probable that it is one of those singular close-knotted groups which especially characterize the nubeculae)." So, it appears he is describing two objects -- one the cluster (containing the double star) and second, the association that contains the cluster.

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NGC 2003 = ESO 086-SC006 = S-L 526

05 30 54.3 -66 27 59

V = 11.3; Size 2.1'

30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 303x; extremely bright, extremely high surface brightness core, fairly small, 30" diameter. Surrounded by a thin fainter halo. A mag 13-13.5 star or quasi-stellar knot [BSDL 2043] is at the west end and a couple of mag 15 stars are off the east side. Two mag 9 and 10 stars lie 4.7' SSW and 7' SSW and mag 8.0 HD 36849 is 9' WNW.

S-L 553 and the remarkable Eighth-Note Nebula (LHa 120-N55) lies ~8' E. Even without a filter the Eighth Note Nebula is a gorgeous object, with ~75 stars (S-L 553) in a 7'x3' region elongated NW-SE. A very large, detailed nebula encompasses these stars. There are four main sections with the largest and brightest on the southeast end (N55A) extending ~2.5' diameter in an uneven, knotty circular glow. A couple of dozen stars are involved with N55A including a mag 13 star on the northeast end and a mag 12 star on its northeast side. A second small, detached 35" glow lies ~2' NW. Unfiltered, 4 or 5 mag 15-15.5 stars are involved. A larger roundish glow, extending 1', is 2' further NNW. A few mag 15 stars are involved and mag 11.5-12 HD 269722 (brightest in the cluster, type OBe) is 1.4' ENE. Finally the 4th and faintest piece is a 50" detached glow that is close north of the bright star. Three mag 14-14.5 stars are involved. Using an NPB filter at 152x enhances the nebulosity, presenting a showpiece object similar in detail to the Red DSS2 image! The three southern nebulous glows all have an irregular surface brightness and are connected by very faint nebulosity but the northernmost section seems detached.

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): this compact cluster in the LMC appeared fairly faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. Appears to have a star involved or increases to a sharp stellar nucleus. S-L 553, a 3' star cloud (association LH 72) lies 9' E. S-L 553 appeared as a 3' elongated glow, consisting of a half-dozen resolved stars over an unresolved background glow of stars and nebulosity. The outline is irregular but elongated N-S. S-L 553 cluster is embedded within the HII complex LMC-N55 ("Eighth-Note Nebula"), though I didn't use a UHC filter to examine its extent.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2003 = h2891 on 23 Nov 1834 and described "a B S stellar neb, or very close cluster 15"." His position is accurate. GC and NGC misidentify (typo) this cluster with h2981, instead of h2891.

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NGC 2004 = ESO 086-SC004 = S-L 523

05 30 40 -67 17 12

V = 9.6; Size 2.7'

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, superb cluster, ~3' diameter. Contains a small, brilliant core and a highly resolved halo that is packed with 50 stars. The surrounding field is quite rich in both faint and brighter mag 11-12 stars. The NGC 1955/1968/1974 complex lies ~20' SW and the NGC 2014/2020 complex lies 27' SSE.

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2004 = D 215 on 24 Sep 1826 and described "a round well-defined nebula, about 20" diameter, bright at the centre." Dunlop reported 3 observations and his position is 5.5' WSW of center (relatively accurate for him).

JH observed this bright cluster (h2893) on 6 sweeps: on 2 Nov 1834 he recorded "B; pretty rich; compressed cluster of stars 12m." Next he recorded "globular, B; irreg; R; 2'. The stars are easily distinguishable." On a third sweep he wrote "globular, B; S; R; comp M to a blaze of stars. Many stragglers." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2005 = ESO 056-SC138 = S-L 518

05 30 11 -69 45 12

V = 11.6; Size 1.8'

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): extremely bright, fairly large, round, 45" diameter, very bright core, mottled halo, high surface brightness. No resolution except for a couple of extremely faint star around the periphery. Located 2' NE of mag 9.1 HD 37121 along the southeast side of the LMC's central bar. NGC 2005 is one of 15 bona-fide ancient GC's in the LMC.

I noticed two nearby faint clusters. H-S 332, just 2.3' S and 50" SE of the mag 9 star, is a faint 20" glow with no resolution. S-L 514 was also picked 3.3' SW. It appeared fairly faint, elongated WSW-ENE, 40"x25", grainy but no resolution. A mag 13 star is off the southwest edge.

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 2005 = D 138? on 24 Sep 1826 and described a "small round faint nebula." His position is 12.7' ESE of the cluster. JH independently discovered the cluster with a 5-inch refractor between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 and listed it as #509 in his preliminary catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major."

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NGC 2006 = ESO 086-SC008 = S-L 537

05 31 20.0 -66 58 23

V = 10.9; Size 1.6'x1.4'

24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): forms the southern member of a close pair of small clusters (a double cluster!) with SL-538 less than 1' N. At 346x it appeared fairly bright, fairly small, ~30" diameter, brighter core, with no evident resolution. Forms a small triangle with two stars on the east side. Located 8' SE of NGC 2002.

Just 0.9' N is S-L 538, a small, moderately bright glow that is sandwiched between a brighter star at the east edge and a fainter star off the west side. At 346x the shape appeared irregular and ~25" diameter. Interestingly, John Herschel's two positions for NGC 2006 on different sweeps correspond closely with each cluster, so he apparently viewed both (quite similar in the eyepiece) and NGC 2006 should apply to the pair. Herschel didn't note this object as double, though he commented this object was the central part of the "extremely rich assemblage of stars and clustering groups which fill the field." NGC 2006 is on the western side of the huge OB association LH 77, an arcing group of clusters and stars stretching 40' E-W and including NGC 2002, 2027 and 2041 and collectively dubbed the "Quadrant Arc".

John Herschel discovered NGC 2006 = h2895 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "a very small nucleus knot in an extremely rich assemblage of stars and clustering groups which fill the field." On his second sweep JH recorded "a small highly condensed knot in an immensely large and very rich cluster, which fills much more than the field, and is like the Milky Way." His positions differ by ~2' in declination and apply to two different close clusters! NGC 2006 is generally assigned to the southern object, with the northern cluster is S-L 538. The "immensely large and very rich cluster, which fills much more than the field, and is like the Milky Way" is known as the "Quadrant Arc".

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NGC 2007 = ESO 204-019 = PGC 17478

05 34 59.3 -50 55 18

V = 13.9; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 83d

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 184x): very faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 45"x15", low even surface brightness. A mag 11.6 star is 4' ENE. Forms a close pair with NGC 2008 2.7' S. Viewed in poor transparency.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2007 = h2892 (along with NGC 2008 = h2894) on 27 Dec 1834 and logged "eeF; pL; R; 40"." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2008 = ESO 204-020 = PGC 17480

05 35 03.7 -50 58 00

V = 13.8; Size 1.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 93d

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 184x): faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 ~E-W, ~40"x16", weak concentration, low surface brightness. A mag 11.2 star is 3' E. Forms a close pair with NGC 2007 2.7' N. Coincidentally, both galaxies have mag 11-11.5 stars 3' to 4' following. Observation in poor transparency.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2008 = h289 (along with NGC 2007 = h2892) on 27 Dec 1834 and logged "eF; pL; R; vlbM; 30"." His position is fairly accurate.

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NGC 2009 = ESO 056-SC140 = S-L 534

05 30 59 -69 10 54

V = 11.0; Size 0.9'

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; very bright knot, moderately large, round, 45" diameter, mottled. A dozen mag 13.5-15.5 stars are resolved. Sits in a beautifully rich star field (association) with numerous mag 12 and fainter stars including an arc of 4 mag 12-13 stars off the southwest side. The NGC 2015 star cloud and cluster S-L 557 lies to the southeast and NGC 1994 and 1984 lies 14' and 18' WNW. This cluster is ~40' WSW of the Tarantula Nebula.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2009 = h2897 on 3 Nov 1834 and recorded "pB, R, bM, 40"; in a field rich with clustering stars." On a second sweep of four he logged "pB, R, glbM, 80", in the N.p. part of a cluster." His mean position is accurate.

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NGC 2010 = ESO 056-SC139 = S-L 531

05 30 34.6 -70 49 10

V = 11.7; Size 1.9'x1.7'

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this LMC cluster is located just 1.5' NE of 9th magnitude HD 37181. This star is part of a large, scattered group of mag 8.5-10.5 stars including a prominent 24' loop with a double star (h3783 = 8.2/10.7 at 15") at the east end of the loop. This double star is 6' S of NGC 2010. NGC 2031 lies 18' SE and the bright HII complex/cluster NGC 2018 lies 15' S.

S-L 539, situated, 7.7' NNE, appeared as a small, elongated glow, 20"x10", with a mag 12.5 star involved on the east end and three additional very faint stars resolved.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2010 = h2898 on 12 Nov 1836 and logged "F; R; vglbM; 3'." His position is 1' south of center of this cluster.

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NGC 2011 = ESO 056-SC144 = S-L 559 = LH 75

05 32 19.8 -67 31 17

V = 10.6; Size 1.0'

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): very bright, tight intense knot of four stars (a couple are quite bright) enveloped in a 1.5' triangular glow with a few additional stars resolved within the boundaries of the emission nebula. A 3' line of brighter stars (part of the stellar association LH 75) oriented E-W passes through the south end of the glow. The surrounding fields include a number of fascinating objects with a cluster and star cloud ~6' E (S-L 567), a bright, compact cluster/nebula 8' NE (NGC 2021), a large bright cluster/nebula 10' S (NGC 2014), a large ring-shaped emission nebula (NGC 2020) 12' SSE and the Seagull Nebula complex (NGC 2030/2032/2035) 17' E. NGC 2011 is embedded in the OB association LH 75.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2011 = h2899 on 31 Jan 1835 and logged "vB; S; R; psmbM; 25"." His single position is accurate.

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NGC 2012 = ESO 016-005 = PGC 17194

05 22 35.4 -79 51 07

V = 12.9; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 117d

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, contains a very small brighter core. A very faint star lies close following and a close double star lies 4' E. An unequal brighter pair lies 5' NE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2012 = h2907 on 22 Jan 1836 and reported "vF; S; lE; bM; 2 st 9 mag follow toward the north." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2013

05 44 14 +55 46 30

Size 4'

18" (11/6/04): This unimpressive asterism consists of two small groups of stars to the NW of mag 8.9 HD 37880. A group ~3' NW of the brighter star is a quartet containing two mag 10.5 stars, while 6' NW is a evenly distributed quintet of mag 11-12 stars. Also, a couple of arcminutes further NW are 3 stars including a double. The three small groupings are extended NW to SE and span 7', although John Herschel's description may just apply to the first two groups which are 4' diameter.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2013 = h364 on 10 Feb 1831 and described as "a poor cl of 8 or 10 stars 11 mag." The NGC RA is 30 tsec larger than JH's discovery position and corresponds better with the center of this group of stars. Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, adds "10-12 st 11...14; BD+21d907 f 0.6'." RNGC gives the description "No cluster."

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NGC 2014 = LMC-N57A = ESO 056-SC146 = S-L 560 = LH 76

05 32 20 -67 41 24

V = 9.0; Size 5'x3.5'

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): very bright, large cluster or star cloud (stellar association LH 76) with nebulosity, ~50 stars resolved in a 5' region (no distinct boundary on the north side), including many in a 2' string, elongated N-S. A mag 10 star (brightest in the cluster) is at the south end of this string. A portion of the cluster is immersed in nebulosity (Henize N57A), most prominently on the southeast side of the cluster. Irregular haze (roughly elongated SW-NE) extends out of the cluster for a couple of arc minutes on the east side, spreading south and north. Forms an interesting contrast with emission nebula NGC 2020 5' ESE. The remarkable Seagull Nebula (NGC 2030, 2032, 2035) lies ~20' NE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2014 = h2900 on 23 Dec 1834 and described the "chief *9 of a very irreg cluster, 4' long, 3' broad." On a second sweep he logged "a pretty L irreg cluster 7th class; chief *9m taken (at leaving the field); the rest are 10...15m." His position is accurate.

James Dunlop possibly discovered this cluster (D 217?) earlier on 3 Aug 1826 with his 9" reflector from Parramatta, NSW, and recorded "a rather well-defined nebula, 40" or 50" diameter. Dunlop observed this object 3 times and his position is 5' SSW of the cluster. Despite Dunlop's relatively good position, JH did not credit Dunlop with the discovery and Dunlop's description for D 217 implies a much smaller object, so I'm also hesitant about this identification.

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NGC 2015 = ESO 056-SC147 = S-L 557 = LH 74

05 31 47 -69 14 54

V = 10.4; Size 5.6'

30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): this bright star cloud extends up to 8' diameter, spreading out on the west side and reaching NGC 2009 in the northwest corner. Near the east end is open cluster S-L 557, which is often taken for NGC 2015. It appeared fairly bright, fairly small, very irregular outline, 35" diameter. It contains a brighter mag 13.5 star and at least a half-dozen mag 14.5-16 stars over haze. Mag 9.7 HD 269720 lies 2.3' NE. Extending west and spreading north and south is a large star cloud (association LH 74) containing a number of mag 12 stars and at least 70 in total. The background glow of unresolved stars is bright in this entire region. NGC 2009 is 7' NW of S-L 557.

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; large star cloud with a few dozen mag 11-15 stars. Not well detached in this rich region of the LMC as the clouds extends to the west and north. On the east end is S-L 557, which includes a single brighter mag 13.5 star and ~6 total, over unresolved glow.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2015 = h2901 on 24 Nov 1834 and reported "the general middle of a cluster of loose stars 11...16m. It is rich and fills the whole field." The "whole field" contains the smaller cluster S-L 557 on its east side, which Shapley-Lindsay and the Hodge-Wright Atlas took as NGC 2015. But based on Herschel's description Brent Archinal says "This is not NGC 2015" in "Star Clusters". Instead he identifies NGC 2015 as the entire association LH 74 at 05 31 48, -69 14.9 with a size of 5.6'.

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NGC 2016 = ESO 056-SC142 = S-L 547

05 31 39 -69 56 48

Size 1.8'

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): fairly bright LMC cluster, large mottled glow, elongated E-W, ~1.5'x0.8'. Two or three mag 14.5-15 stars are resolved on the west end and perhaps a half-dozen additional mag 15.5-16 stars are resolved at 394x. NGC 2016 is situated in a gloriously rich region of the LMC with numerous clusters nearby including NGC 2028 11' E, S-L 674 9' E, BSDL 2212 2.4' SSE, S-L 535 3.6' WSW, S-L 519 8.3' W, H-S 327 12' WNW.

S-L 535: fairly bright, fairly small, roundish haze, 30" diameter, mottled. Two faint stars were resolved on the west side. Located 1.5' NNE of mag 10.2 HD 269663.

S-L 519: fairly bright, fairly small, elongated E-W, 30"x20", a single star was resolved. Picked up less than 2' N of mag 8.2 HD 37122.

H-S 327: this is a very close pair of LMC clusters. At 394x the brighter western cluster (H-S 327W) appeared as a fairly faint, hazy 20" knot. H-S 327E = OGLE-CL LMC 520 is a fainter 20" knot just 40" SE. A couple of mag 15-15.5 stars near these two clumps may be members.

BSDL 2212: moderately bright, small, round, hazy glow, ~20" diameter, just preceding a mag 13 star.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2016 = h2902 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "F; vL; and diffused; irreg R; gbM." His position is ~40" too far south.

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NGC 2017 = h3780 = ESO 554-**22

05 39 16 -17 51 00

V = 6.4/7.9/8.5/9.2/8.4/8.1

18" (3/13/04): multiple group of six stars mag 7-10 within 3.5'. The stars are generally separated by at least 1' with the widest separation at 2'. The brightest star is mag 6.4 HD 37643. The brightest "star" to the SE is the C+D component, a close 8.5/9.2 pair separated by 1.4", making 7 stars in total. Located 1.6° east of mag 2.6 Alpha Leporis.

8": this is the multiple star h3780. Six stars are visible including mag 7, 8, 8.5, 9 and 10 stars. This group does not appear to be a true cluster.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2017 = h2896 on 11 Dec 1835 and recorded a "fine clustering group of large stars." His position matches the multiple star h3780. Bica et al, in 2001A&A...366..827B, call this object a "possible Open Cluster remnant".

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NGC 2018 = LMC-N206A = ESO 056-SC141 = S-L 533 = LH 69

05 31 23 -71 04 12

V = 10.2; Size 25'x18'

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is a fascinating, showpiece HII complex with a cluster (S-L 533) and a large, detailed nebula (N206) appearing like a fainter version of M8 -- of course, in another galaxy! At 200x the cluster is ~8' in diameter and includes a couple of dozen mag 11-15 stars (part of the stellar association LH 69). The stars are involved in the glow of a bright HII complex that has an excellent response to a UHC filter.

The brightest region of nebulosity (NGC 2018 = LMC-N206A) is a very prominent 1' circular patch on the east end of the cluster. Fainter wings extend north and south, increasing the size to 3'x1'. A wide pair of stars including mag 11.5 HDE 269676 [a massive, compact cluster containing several O-type stars] is at the west edge of this patch. Three additional elongated patches (each 1' to 1.5' in diameter) along the SW side of the complex are strung out in a 6' line oriented NW to SE line (BSDL 2005, BSDL 2048 and LMC-N206B = BSDL 2120). Another glowing patch of nebulosity, ~45" diameter, is to the west of of the brightest region and surrounds a couple of brighter stars. Finally there is an isolated, elongated patch on the northwest end of the complex (BSDL 1985) that seems detached. Weaker sections of the nebulosity give the impression of dark lanes. Surprisingly, Herschel's description applies only to the brightest region at the east end of this entire complex.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2018 = h2904 on 3 Nov 1834 and recorded "pB; R; pglbM; 2'; a star 10m involved, preceding." His position (single sweep) is on the southeast side of the brightest portion of the nebula. The ESO position is centered on the entire complex described in my notes and not the bright piece described by Herschel.

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NGC 2019 = ESO 056-SC145 = S-L 554

05 31 57 -70 09 36

V = 10.9; Size 1.5'

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 394x; extremely bright, large, 50" diameter, sharply concentrated with a large intense core and smooth halo, no resolution. NGC 2019 is one of 15 bona-fide ancient GC's in the LMC.

S-L 542 (brightest of 3 nearby clusters) is 4.6' SW, BSDL 2196 is 2.7' SW and S-L 544 is 5' NNW. S-L 542 is fairly bright, moderately large, round, 40" diameter, mottled but with no definite resolution. A mag 12.8 star is 0.9' NW. BSDL 2196 (noticed between NGC 2019 and S-L 542) is a very faint, small, round, low surface brightness patch, 20" diameter, no resolution.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2019 = h2905 on 11 Nov 1836 and recorded the cluster as "B; R; gbM; 60". He observed it on two sweeps and his position is just off the east side. On the first observation, though, his polar distance was 1° further north, but he rejected that (correctly) in favor of the polar distance in the second sweep.

James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 2019 = D 96, D 98, D 99 and/or D 94 (one or more of these may apply!) on 24 Sep 1826 with his 9" reflector from Parramatta. He described D 96 as "a faint round nebula, about 1 1/4' diameter, slightly bright to the centre." Dunlop made two observations of D 96 and his position is 12' NW of this cluster. But his position is also 12.6' SE of NGC 1986, so this description could also apply to the later cluster. D 98, described as "a pretty well-defined round nebula, about 30" diameter" was observed twice and the position is just 1.9' W. Finally, D 94, described as an "extremely faint small nebula" is also within Dunlop's usual errors (7' S of the cluster). To further confuse the issue, Glen Cozens identifies NGC 2019 = D 99, which Dunlop described as a "pretty well-defined nebula, 20" diameter." His position in this case is 16' SE of the cluster!

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NGC 2020 = LMC-N57C = ESO 056-?148

05 33 10 -67 42 54

Size 2.5'

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, roundish annular emission nebula, slightly elongated SW-NE, 3'x2.5'. The inner edge of the annulus is slightly brighter and sharply defined with a relatively large dark center, ~45" x30". North of center in the ring is a 13th magnitude star, which appears roughly centered in the emission nebula. A 12th magnitude star lies 1.3' S of the central star, at the southern edge of the nebula. Two fainter stars are just north and south of the mag 12 star and the trio is collinear with the central star. Forms a striking due with NGC 2014 (cluster and emission nebula) 5' WNW. The remarkable Seagull Nebula (NGC 2030, 2032, 2035) lies 15' NE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2020 = h2903 on 30 Dec 1836 and recorded "pB; vL; vglbM; lE; 4'. A fine cluster precedes it." On the very next sweep he wrote "vF; vL; R; vglbM; 4' diameter." His position is accurate.

James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 2020 = D 218? earlier in 1826 and described "a pretty bright round nebula, 30" diameter, with a minute star slightly involved in the margin." Dunlop claims two observations and his position is 5' too far NE, well within his usual errors, though Steinicke attributes Herschel with the discovery. This nebula is probably too faint to have been picked up by Dunlop with his 9" reflector and it could describe NGC 2014 instead, which is 9' west of his position.

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NGC 2021 = ESO 056-SC150 = S-L 570

05 33 30.3 -67 27 11

V = 12.1; Size 0.9'

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, compact knot surrounding two resolved stars, slightly elongated, ~20"x15". This knot is in the northern end of a very large, elongated cluster or star cloud. Extending mostly south of NGC 2021 is a very elongated stream of stars, 5'x1', including a mix of brighter and fainter stars (stellar association LH 78). The densest concentration is a 2' group (S-L 567) on the south end with a number of mag 12-14 stars. Roughly a total of 50-60 stars were resolved. The Seagull Nebula complex (NGC 2030, 2032, 2035) lies 12' SE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2021 = h2906 on 31 Jan 1835 and logged "vS; F; R; 12". In the northern part of a cluster of stars 14m, 8' long, 3' br." His position points to the small clluster S-L 567 within the stellar association LH 79.

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NGC 2022 = PK 196-10.1 = PN G196.6-10.9

05 42 06.2 +09 05 10

V = 11.7; Size 29"x28"

48" (2/21/12): at 488x, this bright, double-shell planetary contains a bright oval ring oriented SSW-NNE, ~23"x18". The annulus is fairly thin with a relatively large, darker central hole, though the contrast is fairly low. At the exact center is a faint central star (close to 16th mag?). The ring has an irregular surface brightness; slightly brighter at the ends of the major axis, particularly the SW end (knot or thicker?), and slightly fainter along the minor axis. Surrounding the ring is a fainter and rounder outer shell, ~30" diameter. The outer shell was surprisingly prominent and exhibited a pinkish hue.

24" (1/25/14): at 500x appeared as a fairly bright knotty annulus, slightly elongated SW-NE with fascinating structure. The rim was clearly brighter along an ~200° arc running from the southwest counterclockwise to the northeast. Very small brighter knots were definite at the SW and NE ends and perhaps a slight brightening at the NW edge. In general, though, the rim appeared mottled and sparkling though clearly dimmer along the southeast side, giving a "C" appearance. At 750x, the darker center was also irregular in surface brightness and occasionally, an extremely faint central star sparkled.

18" (2/24/06): at 220x appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, ~25" diameter, very slightly elongated, irregularly lit and brighter along the western half of the rim giving a "C" appearance. A faint sparkle is occasionally visible on the WSW edge of the rim and images show this may be a faint superimposed star or knot in the planetary. 320x provides an excellent view with the planetary weakly annular and the rim a bit dimmer on the SE side. At 435x, the shape is slightly elongated SW to NE, ~27"x22" with a mottled interior and a brighter rim, particularly along the western half. The appearance is quite patchy at 565x and the sparkle on the SW end is still evident. The central star was not seen at any power. Ced 59 (surrounding FU Orionis) lies 48' due east.

17.5" (2/2/02): immediately picked up at 100x as a very small, bluish-gray "egg" of fairly high surface brightness. Good contrast gain with OIII filter. At 380x (unfiltered), it appeared as fairly bright, clearly elongated SSW-NNE, ~27"x20". The surface brightness was irregular or mottled with a slightly brighter rim and darker center giving a weakly annular appearance. The rim seems to have a couple of slightly brighter spots and the ends of the minor axis are slightly dimmer. No sign of a central star.

17.5" (12/8/90): fairly bright, slightly elongated 4:3 ~SSW-NNE, about 30" diameter. Appears slightly annular at 412x with a brighter rim. No central star seen at this power.

13": moderately bright, high surface brightness. No internal structure was visible.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2022 = H IV-34 = h365 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 496) and described it as "cB, vS, like a star with a large diameter. With 240 it appeared almost like a planetary nebula, but very ill defined, and little elongated. Nearly of equal brightness throughout, except at the edges." JH called it "Planetary neb, a little indistinct at the edges; rather oval and perhaps of a mottled light."

NGC 2022 was observed 5 times with Lord Rosse's 72", often in an attempt to resolve it, and the following notes were recorded:

11 Dec 1850: "It is I am nearly sure resolvable, probably it is a glob Cl. At times I fancied the centre a little darker and a star in the p part."

23 Oct 1851: "I strongly suspect annular, r[esolvable], one star especially seen in the p part.

28 Dec 1853: "...a B patch or a star?, it is near the edge of the neb. Some dark spot or spots certainly seen and at times I had the suspicion of a concentric ring or rings."

5 Jan 1877: "Seems a glob Cl, stars seen sparkling in it, oval sp nf. Edges v diffuse, especially sf, np edge more sharp. Proportion of diameters about 7:10."

William Lassell observed NGC 2022 in Jan. 1853 from Malta with his 24-inch equatorial reflector and commented, "a singular curdled-looking object, slightly and irregularly elliptical, with a sort of cordon [outer shell] running round parallel, but a little outside of its margin." A sketch was included in his 1854 MRAS paper (figure 2). Father Secchi sketched a slightly darker center in his 1856 "Osservazioni di Nebulose".

Based on a Crossley photograph, Curtis (1918) reported, "Sharp stellar nucleus about mag 13, surrounded by an elliptical ring 22"x17" in outside dimensions in pa 29°. Outside this is an oval disk of fainter matter 28"x27". The brightest parts are the two masses at the ends of the major axis of the inner ring."

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NGC 2023 = LBN 954 = Ced 55o

05 41 38.3 -02 15 33

Size 10'x10'

13.1": fairly prominent nebulosity surrounds mag 7.8 SAO 132464. The Horsehead nebula lies 15' SW.

8": moderately bright, surrounds a mag 8 star.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2023 = H IV-24 on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 352) and described in his 1791 paper "On Nebulous Stars" as "A bright star with a very considerably milky chevelure; a little extended, 4 or 5' in length, and near 4' broad; it loses itself insensibly. I suspected some extensive milky windings in the neighborhood but could not verify them; other stars of equal magnitude are perfectly free from this chevelure." He later noted "The connection between the star and the chevelure cannot be doubted, from the insensible gradation of its luminous appearance, decreasing as it receded from the centre."

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NGC 2024 = Flame Nebula = Ced 55p = Sh 2-277

05 41 43 -01 51 30

Size 30'x30'

17.5" (2/8/86): bright, very large. Consists of two main parallel sections elongated SSW-NNE separated by prominent detailed dark lanes. Excellent structure with ragged edges, gaps, streaks, rifts and various brightness levels. The eastern strip has one or two indentations or a scalloped inner edge. The inner edge of the connecting strip has a sharply defined edge and the gap at the base connecting the brighter western section is obvious. Zeta Orionis lies 15' NE detracts and the best view is unfiltered.

8": fairly easy in very dark skies, the strip along the east side is longer with a possible gap at the base of "U" in the southwest corner. The center is definitely darker than the background sky.

8" (10/4/80): fairly bright, large. Consists of two parallel strips separated by a dark lane. Appears possibly broken (gap) at the base of "U". Best view with a UHC filter.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2024 = H V-28 on 1 Jan 1786 (sweep 506) and recorded "a wonderful milky nebulosity, divided into 3 or 4 large patches including a dark space, the whole cannot take up less than half a degree; but I suppose it to be much more extensive." A month later (sweep 518) he noted "Wonderful black space inlcuded in nebulosities."

The following information is from Wolfgang Steinicke's book "Observing Cataloguing Nebulae and Star Clusters. NGC 2024 was independently found by Brorsen in 1850 with a small refractor at Senftenberg Observatory and announced in AN that "I have found a very faint, very extended, pretty irregular nebula, located about 15 minutes east of Zeta Orionis, which is listed neither in the catalogue of the younger Herschel nor in Messier's." Marth noted in 1856 that Brorsen's object is William Herschel's V-28. This was another case where the observer only checked the Slough catalogue and didn't refer to WH's catalogues, which only had relative offsets and not absolute positions.

d'Arrest sketched the nebulosity in 4 sections. The brightest section (labeled A) is just west of the main dust lane. This object was observed 13 times at Birr Castle from 1873-1878 by Lawrence Parsons (with the 36-inch), Ralph Copeland and Dreyer, and stars "in an about the neb" were sketched and accurately measured.

Garrett Serviss (Pleasures of the Telescope, 1901) wrote "Just to the left of Zeta, and in the same field of view with a very low power, is a remarkable nebula bearing the catalogue number GC 1227. We must use our five-inch on this with a low power, but with Zeta out of the field in order to avoid its glare. The nebula is exceedingly faint, and we can be satisfied if we see it simply as a hazy spot, although with much larger telescopes it has appeared at least half a degree broad. Tempel saw several centers of condensation in it, and traced three or four broad nebulous streams, one of which decidedly suggested spiral motion."

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NGC 2025 = ESO 056-SC149 = S-L 571

05 32 33.1 -71 43 00

V = 10.9; Size 1.9'

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x this LMC cluster appeared bright, slightly elongated, moderately large, ~45"x40", weakly concentrated with a slightly brighter core. Three faint stars are resolved around the edges. Two 8th magnitude stars lie 11' ESE and 13' ENE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2025 = h2909 on 8 Feb 1836 and recorded "vB; S; lE; gmbM; resolvable. Almost a globular." His position is less than 1' too far north.

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NGC 2026

05 43 06 +20 08

17.5" (2/14/99): At 220x, ~30 stars in a 6' region including three mag 9-9.5 stars (mag 8.7 SAO 77440 and mag 9.3 SAO 77448). Most of the stars are mag 11-13. The group lacks any concentration and appears to be an asterism with the three brighter stars drawing attention to the group. However, there is a small arc of a half a dozen mag 13 stars that includes SAO 77448 at the SE corner and a nice clump of mag 13 stars is just south of the mag 9.5 star at the north end of the group. Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2026 = H VIII-28 on 5 Dec 1784 (sweep 329) and reported "a cluster of pretty large scattered stars. Not rich." No observations were made by JH or at Birr Castle. Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, found "no distinct Cl" and RNGC classifies it as nonexistent (Type 7" with the comment "No cluster".

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NGC 2027 = ESO 086-SC13 = S-L 592 = LH 84

05 35 00 -66 54 55

V = 11.0; Size 1.0'

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): NGC 2027 is at the west end of an interesting, elongated cluster or association (LH 84) extending ~4'x2' E-W in a crescent shape with NGC 2034 at the east end. At 105x, this condensed portion of the cloud contains a couple of dozen mag 12-13 stars and a wide pair of mag 10 stars on the NW side. Although NGC 2027 is often applied to the small cluster S-L 592, Herschel described the entire association LH 84.

NGC 2027 is situated ~10' NW of the compact cluster NGC 2041 and near the east end of a huge, elongated star cloud known as the "Quadrant" (consisting of OB associations LH 65, LH 77 and LH 84) looping SW and the bending NW, extending 35' to NGC 2006 and 2002.

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2027 = D 241 = h2908 on 6 Nov 1826 and described "a large cluster of small stars of mixt magnitudes in strong nebula; irregular extended figure." His position falls at the east end of association LH 77 or the west end of LH 84, known as the LMC "Quadrant" (of a circle).

JH made three observations of the field. On the first sweep (2 Nov 1832) he described "a very large, very rich cluster of separate stars 9..11th mag, which fills the whole field." On a second sweep he called it "cluster 7th class. The second of two stars 9th mag, which may be considered the leading stars of the very large and fine cluster of the Nubecula Major, which fills many fields, is of all degrees of condensation, and much broken up into groups and patches." His third observation was recorded as "an ill-defined nebuloid group of stars 15th mag (N.B. Clouds very troublesome.) The field full of grouping stars."

Herschel is clearly describing the large OB association LH 77, which stretches west to NGC 2002. His position from the second sweep ("second of two stars 9th magnitude") and third sweeps is close to S-L 592, and the position given here. This cluster is also at the west end of a looping association of stars (probably NGC 2027) on the east end of LH 77.

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NGC 2028 = ESO 056-SC152 = S-L 575 = LH 80

05 33 49 -69 57 06

V = 12.9; Size 1.1'

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): fairly bright, moderately large, roundish, high surface brightness, mottled, a couple of stars resolved at the edges. A small partially resolved clump is just off the northeast side. In a small trio with similar S-L 574 2.4' W and fainter H-S 353 2.2' NNW. NGC 2028 is within association LH 80, a stunningly rich region of the LMC with NGC 2016 11' W, S-L 591 6' NE, H-S 362 is 8' NE, NGC 2036 8' SE and more. A group of 4 mag 14 stars is 2' E.

S-L 574 appeared bright, moderately large, slightly elongated E-W, 30" diameter, brighter along the major axis, clumpy. A mag 14 star is at the west tip and a mag 11.9 star is 0.9' SSW. H-S 353 is a fairly faint, soft round glow, 30" diameter. S-L 591 appeared fairly bright, fairly small, roundish, 35", mottled. Only a couple of mag 16 stars resolved around the edges. A mag 11.8 star is 1.7' NE. H-S 362, just 2' ENE of S-L 591 is fairly faint, elongated NW-SE, 25" diameter. It forms the eastern vertex of a equilateral triangle with S-L 591 and the mag 11.8 star.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2028 = h2912 on 12 Nov 1836 and simply noted as "vF". His position is an excellent match (he corrected his RA by 10 sec) with cluster S-L 575, so the identification is certain although I'm surprised he apparently missed nearby S-L 574, which is equally as prominent. JH questioned if his object might be D 100. Dunlop's description reads "a small round nebula, about 2' north of a small star." His position is just 2' NW of S-L 575 and 3.4' NE of a mag 11 star (his small star?). But D 100 is also 10' ENE of NGC 2016, so it could be also be D 100 given his range of positional errors. Neither Steinicke nor Glen Cozens equates D 100 with NGC 2028.

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NGC 2029 = ESO 086-SC15 = LMC-N63 = DEM L 243 = S-L 595 = LH 83

05 35 40.8 -66 02 06

V = 12.3; Size 4'

30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 202x, 264x and 429x; large, fairly bright cluster (S-L 595) with ~30 stars resolved in a 3.5' region and includes at least 4 brighter stars from mag 12.3-13.5 and another mag 12.7 star is at the SW edge. Moderately faint nebulous haze (LMC-N63) encompasses the cluster. Adding a NPB filter at 264x increases the contrast with the large nebulous glow, which extended 2.5-3' diameter. Note: this object is identified as NGC 2030 in most sources!

N63A, embedded slightly east of center of N63, is a well-known bright, compact supernova remnant and one of the first 3 extragalactic SNRs to be discovered (1966). The SNR appeared as a small round knot, only ~12"-15" in diameter, and was faintly visible even at 202x. It was easy to distinguish at 264x and stood out fairly prominently at 429x. Surprisingly, I didn't notice any contrast gain adding a NPB filter (similar visibility).

14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 142x): fairly bright, large, over a dozen mag 13 and fainter stars are resolved in a 3.5' region. A fairly faint, oval emission glow (LMC-N63) is involved with the cluster (S-L 595). Adding an NPB filter, the nebulosity is bright, large, irregular (roughly round), ~2.5' diameter, with several of the brighter stars still visible.

Emission nebula LHa 120-N 62A is 14' SSW. Using an NPB filter, it appeared very bright, very elongated ~E-W, relatively large, ~1.5'x0.4'. The shape is a bit irregular, but it has a sharply defined northern edge, with the southern edge weaker and more ill-defined. Visible unfiltered but excellent response to the NPB. A couple of very faint stars are visible with averted. BSDL 2348, an LMC cluster perhaps associated with the nebula, is ~2' W and contains a half-dozen mag 14-15 stars in a 1.5' knot, along with a mag 12.5 star on the west end. Emission nebula LHa 120-N 64 is 16' further southeast.

Emission nebula LHa 120-N 64 is 20' SSE. Using an NPB filter, it is a bright, large, irregular nebulous patch, about 3'x2' E-W. The brightest portion (N64A) is on the west side. A mag 11 star is ~2' N of the east end. Another 2' NNW of this star is a detached 40" piece (N64C) that was fairly easy with the filter. Unfiltered three mag 13 line in a 1.8' string are involved in the central portion, along with a couple of mag 14-15 stars. Mag 8.8 HD 37853 is 6' NW.

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright, fairly large, 3'x1.5', elongated N-S. This LMC object appears to be a large cluster with nebulosity (stellar association LH 83). A half-dozen mag 12-13 stars are resolved over an irregular background haze (unresolved stars?). Located 32' N of mag 6.2 HD 37935. NGC 2003 lies 38' SW. The compact SNR N63A is embedded (not noted).

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2029 = D 240 = h2911 on 27 Sep 1826 and noted a "faint round nebula, 25" or 30" diameter." His position is just 4' SW of center of the nebula. JH called this object "a rich, R, pL cluster of stars 12m; little comp; 5' l; one * 11m." On a second sweep he wrote "pB; R; gbM; 60"; resolved into stars 13...15m."

Jenni Kay notes that GC and NGC positions for NGC 2029 and NGC 2030 are reversed from JH's original CGH positions of h2911 and h2910, respectively. The error must have occurred when JH transfered his positions into the GC. So, NGC 2030 = h2030 is part of the Seagull Nebula and NGC 2029 = h2911 is an isolated nebula. All modern sources such as SIMBAD, ESO and the KMHK catalogue reverse the original identifications and call NGC 2029 part of the Seagull Nebula. See WSQJ #108, 4/97. The identifications given here are based on the CGH positions/identifications.

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NGC 2030 = Seagull Nebula = Dragon's Head Nebula = LMC-N59A = LH 82

05 35 00.5 -67 33 18

Size 1.6'x0.9'

30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 202x and 264x + NPB filter; this is the first section in the remarkable Seagull or "Dragon's Head" Nebula, though the faintest of three connected patches extending 5.5' from NW to SE with NGC 2032 and 2036. The brightest portion is an elongated "bar" section ~2'x40", oriented WSW-ENE, just west of mag 12.2 HD 269810. Fainter nebulosity spreads to the north in roughly an oval outline and includes a mag 14.5 star, so the total extent of NGC 2030 in the N-S direction is over 2.5'. Very faint nebulosity appears to connect NGC 2030 with brighter NGC 2032 directly SE.

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the NW component of the Seagull Nebula; a bright, highly structured 7'x5' emission nebula. The brightest portion of NGC 2030 is a bright streak elongated E-W that extends west from mag 12.3 HD 269810. A large mass of nebulosity spreads to the north from this streak in a more circular 2' patch. This object is incorrectly identified as NGC 2029 in modern catalogues and atlases.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2030 = h2910 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "B; L; gbM. The first of 3 neb, which run together." On a second sweep, he logged "vF; pL; irreg R. The first of 3, which run together. See Plate III. fig 5." The modern identities for NGC 2029 and 2030 are reversal. See historical notes for NGC 2029.

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NGC 2031 = ESO 056-SC153 = S-L 577

05 33 41.9 -70 59 16

V = 10.8; Size 3.4'

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x this LMC cluster was very bright, fairly large, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, well concentrated with a 1' core and 2' much fainter halo. The cluster had a mottled texture and was quite lively around the edges, but was not clearly resolved. Located 12' NW of mag 7.6 HD 37899 and 5.5' SW of a mag 9.1 star. NGC 2018, a remarkable nebulous cluster, lies 12' WSW and NGC 2051 is a similar distance to the ESE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2031 = h2915 on 3 Nov 1834 and noted "F (?); R; gbM; 3' (Hazy Sky)". On a later sweep he had a better view and logged "globular, B; R; gbM; 2'. Resolved into stars." His position is just off the south side of this large cluster.

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NGC 2032 = Seagull Nebula = Dragon's Head Nebula = LMC-N59A = LH 82

05 35 20.6 -67 34 06

Size 2'x1'

30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 202x and 264x + NPB filter; NGC 2032 and 2035, separated by a dark lane, form a stunning pair of adjacent emission nebulae of comparable surface brightness, though NGC 2032 is larger. Using a narrow-band filter, NGC 2032 was extremely bright, elongated SW-NE, ~2'x1', with a scalloped but sharply defined border at the brighter edge along the dust lane. A fairly prominent thin filament extends NE for ~1.5', curling a bit towards the tip. A thin strip on the SE end (just beyond the lane) connects to NGC 2035. The ionizing star was visible unfiltered at the eastern border, in an indentation, though it appeared fainter than the listed mag of 13.5. A second mag 14 star was also involved at 25" to its east. A mag 11.4 star is off the SW side and a mag 12.2 star (O3-type HD 269810) is at the NE edge. The latter star (also known as RMC 122) may be the ionizing source for the surrounding nebulosity.

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is possibly the brightest section of the "Seagull Nebula" or "Dragon's Head Nebula" in the LMC (similar to NGC 2035 1.6' SE). It consists of a very bright, elongated ~SSW-NNE patch, 2'x1', with an unusual kidney-bean shape that is indented or concave on the east side. NGC 2032 is just separated to 2035 by an elongated dark lane (oriented SSW-NNE) on the east side. A faint, thin streamer of nebulosity shoots to the north from 2032. Mag 11.4 HD 269808 is off the SW side.

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2032 = D 219 on 27 Sep 1826 and described a "pretty bright round nebula, about 1 1/4' diameter, bright towards the centre." He states 2 observations were made and his published position is within the Seagull Nebula complex. As NGC 2032 is probably the brightest section along with NGC 2035, this identification seems reasonable. Herschel gave an uncertain equivalence with D 219 in his CGH catalogue. He first observed the nebula (h2913) on 2 Nov 1834 and recorded "vB; vL. A singular figure like 3 nebulae lumped together." On a second sweep he recorded "pB; irreg fig; glbM." On his next observation he logged "B; L; gbM. The second of 3 which run together." A detailed sketch of the complex was published in plate III, figure 5 in the CGH observations.

The Seagull Nebula contains four separate NGC designations: NGC 2030 (misidentified as NGC 2029 in GC and NGC), NGC 2032, NGC 2035 and NGC 2040 with NGC 2035 being the brightest and largest of the group. Collectively the area is known as N59A and is located at the boundary of the supershell LMC4 in the Large Magellanic Cloud. NGC 2032 and 2035, which form the bright core of the H II region N59A (B053530- 6736), belong to a single H II region that appears divided due to the presence of a heavy dust lane.

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NGC 2033 = LMC-N154B = ESO 056-SC157 = S-L 589 = LH 81

05 34 30 -69 46 48

Size 10'

14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 142x and 230x): large bright star cloud (stellar association LH 81), ~10' diameter with ~50 stars (depending on size taken) mag 11-14. Adding an NPB filter brings out the associated nebulosity (LHA 120-N54), which is fairly bright and very large. A curving swath of nebulosity, elongated E-W for ~8' on the southwest side of the association. The cluster itself is also encased in diffuse nebulosity with the filter. NGC 2037 is generally taken as a small knot (BCDSP 8) within this star cloud. NGC 2048, a bright emission nebula, is at the northeast end of the association.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2033 between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and recorded it as #579 in his preliminary catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major." Herschel's position falls in the large stellar association LH 81. But as there is no listing or description in the CGH catalogue, it's possible Herschel was recording a small knot or a very large field of stars + nebulosity. So, the size and center is unknown. See NGC 2037 for more. The large nebulosity on the south side of the association might be NGC 2052. See that number.

James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 2033 = D 141? earlier on 24 Sep 1826, recording "a faint extended nebula, about 4' long, very faint towards the extremities, brightest and broadest in the middle. This is in the south following side of a faint cluster of very minute stars." Dunlop's position (single observation) is 11' SE of this nebulous cluster.

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NGC 2034 = ESO 086-SC14 = S-L 592 = LH 84

05 35 38 -66 54 06

V = 9.3; Size 8'x4'

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x this is an interesting, elongated curving cluster or association (LH 84), situated northwest of the compact cluster NGC 2041. This condensed portion of LH 84 contains a couple of dozen mag 12-13 stars and a wide pair of mag 10 stars (including HD 269855) on the north side. The resolved stars are embedded in an unresolved glow of fainter stars, ~4'x2', extended E-W in a crescent shape, arching north on both ends. NGC 2034 is located at the east end of an impressive star cloud (collectively known as the "Quadrant" = LH 77), looping 30' W (bending south in the middle) to NGC 2002.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2034 = h2914 on 3 Jan 1837 and described "a more condensed part of the great cluster (sweep 761, 39), of a crescent-like form, occupying one field. Rich and fine." His position corresponds with association LH 84 at the northeast end of the "Quadrant" feature of the LMC. NGC 2034 = h2914 and NGC 2027 = h2908 both described the same field, though NGC 2027 is on the west end of the association. Harold Corwin considers NGC 2027 to refer to the entire region.

James Dunlop discovered the association on 6 Nov 1826 and described D 241 as "a large cluster of small stars of mixt magnitudes in strong nebula; irregular extended figure." His position falls at the east end association LH 77 or the west end of LH 84, known as the LMC "Quadrant" (of a circle).

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NGC 2035 = Seagull Nebula = Dragon's Head Nebula = LMC-N59A = LH 82

05 35 33 -67 35 06

Size 1.6'x1.0'

30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 202x and 264x + NPB filter; NGC 2032 and 2035, separated by a dark lane, form a stunning pair of adjacent emission nebulae of comparable surface brightness, though NGC 2032 is larger. The two impressive regions are attached or merge at the south end by a thin strip of nebulosity. NGC 2035 was extremely bright, roughly rectangular but irregular with slightly concave eastern side and lots of complex, internal structure with brighter and darker areas. A fairly thin streamer is attached on the northeast end and extends 2' NNE, similar (though slightly fainter) to a filament attached to NGC 2032! LMC-N59C is a detached patch ~2' SE. It appeared moderately large, roundish, at least 1' diameter. A mag 10.4 star is 2' ESE.

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the southeast section of the bright Seagull Nebula in the LMC. At 200x using a UHC filter it appeared very bright, moderately large, with a very irregular shape similar to an anvil. The very knotty, complex structure was elongated N-S, 1.6'x1.0', with the widest part of the anvil on the south end. NGC 2032, another very bright section, is very close preceding (roughly 1.6' between centers) and the two sections are separated by a dark lane oriented SSW-NNE. A very faint streamer attached on the NE side flows to the north (NGC 2032 has a similar but brighter streamer). A fairly small detached patch, ~1.2' in diameter, is close SE (identified as LHA 120-N 59C in SIMBAD).

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 2035 = D 219 on 27 Sep 1826 and described a "pretty bright round nebula, about 1 1/4' diameter, bright towards the centre". He states 2 observations were made and his published position is within the Seagull Nebula complex. As NGC 2032/2035 are the brightest sections, this identification seems reasonable.

JH first observed this bright nebula on 23 Dec 1834 and called NGC 2035 = h2916, "B, L, bM. The 3rd of three which run together. (Plate III, fig 5)". On his next observation he recorded "pB, L, R. The third of 3 which run together." Herschel gave an uncertain equivalence with D 220 in the CGH.

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NGC 2036 = NGC 2043? = ESO 056-SC155 = S-L 587

05 34 32 -70 03 54

V = 12.8; Size 1.5'

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): very bright, fairly large, irregular, mottled, brighter core, 50" diameter. A bright, tiny knot of mag 15.5 stars is at the southeast end. A couple of additional mag 16 stars are resolved near the edges. A mag 10.7 star lies 4' NNE. NGC 2028 lies 8' NW.

BSDL 2464 = OGLE-CL LMC 611 was noticed 2.6' NE as a very faint, small glow, 20" diameter. A couple of very faint stars were resolved at the east end. The mag 10.7 star noted above lies 2.7' NW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2036 = h2917 on 11 Nov 1836 and recorded "vF; R; gbM; 90"." There is nothing at his position, but one degree south is the cluster S-L 587. Herschel's added a note to his description that there was likely an error of 1° in the polar distance and clearly this was the case. Eric Lindsay, in the 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (IAJ, 6, 286-289) comments "The Decl. seems to be in error. The object is probably the small cluster S/L 587 at 1° south. Herschel found strong ground to suspect an error of a degree in P.D. which should most likely be 160° and not 159°." As this cluster is exactly 1° S of h's position, the identification is virtually certain.

Also, see historical notes for NGC 2043. This number may be a duplicate observation with the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope.

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NGC 2037 = OGLE-CL LMC 605 = BCDSP 8

05 34 40.4 -69 44 50

V = 11.6; Size 0.4'

14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 142x and 230x): very small high surface brightness glow, ~12" diameter. Situated with the large stellar association LH 81 and at the north end of a 2' string to the south-southwest with three mag 12, 11 and 13 stars. This standard identification is unlikely and both NGC 2033 and 2037 probably refer to sections of the general star cloud.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2037 between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and listed it as #593 in his preliminary catalogue of"Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major." The only information he gives (besides a position) is type "Cl" and Mag 8. There is no listing or description in the main CGH catalogue, so along with nearby NGC 2033, it is unknown if Herschel was describing a small knot or a very large field of stars + nebulosity in association LH 81, though the magnitude implies a bright object. NGC 2037 is taken as the small cluster OGLE-CL LMC 605 at 05 34 40 -69 44.8 (2000) by Archinal and Hynes, Mati Morel and Jenni Kay. Harold Corwin remarks this cluster is too faint to have been picked up by Herschel with his 5-inch refractor and certainly wouldn't be described as 8th magnitude. So, the standard identification (given here) is almost certainly wrong.

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NGC 2038 = ESO 056-SC158 = S-L 590

05 34 42 -70 33 42

V = 11.9; Size 1.6'

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 40" diameter, clumpy but no individual stars resolved. First of three nearly on a line with NGC 2056 11' SE and NGC 2075 20' SE. Located 4' SSE of mag 9.5 HD 37732.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2038 = h2920 on 24 Nov 1834 and logged "B, R, glbM, 25", has a *9 mag 5' north-preceding." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2039

05 44 33 +08 39 42

Size 30'

18" (1/26/09): large, scattered field with a number of mag 8 to 10 stars, though too dispersed to resemble a cluster. the most distinctive part is a nice 8' string of 6 collinear stars oriented E-W with mag 8 HD 38096 at the west end and mag 8.5 HD 38163 at the east end. A larger elongated group of stars extends to the SE out to the edge of the 35' field. This group probably contains unrelated field stars and there is no listing in SIMBAD.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2039 = h366 on 19 Jan 1828 and described as "A large tract of stars filling many fields. It extends much further in RA." He equated this observation with H VIII-2 = NGC 2063, so he may have confused these two fields at the time. His father's object is either nonexistent or just an asterism ~40' to the east. On a second sweep, JH logged "A large ill-defined tract of loose stars, neither rich nor condensed"). JH used two numbers in the GC for h366 and H VIII-2, so both objects received their own NGC designation. Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, states "many st, Cl not well defined." See Corwin's notes for further discussion.

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NGC 2040 = ESO 56-EN164 = LMC-N59B = LH 88

05 36 05 -67 34 01

V = 11.5; Size 2'

30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 202x and 264x + NPB filter; bright, very large, irregular nebula just east of NGC 2030/2032/2035 (Dragon's Head or Seagull Nebula). The main portion is roughly triangular with one "vertex" on the south side and another on the northeast end. It has a sharp, contrasty edge on the east side to the south tip and some internal, irregular brightness in the interior. Unfiltered a dozen stars mag 14-15 are involved (association LH 88), with several more spreading to the south.

NGC 2040 is merged with a supernova remnant shell (SNR B0536-67.6) on the south side. On images the shell is ~2' in diameter, with a complex interlaced web of delicate filaments. Visually, I could see a very faint, thin curving loop, ~45" in length, which forms the southwest end of the shell (brightest part on images). A mag 13.5 star (O5-type) is in the interior of the shell, with the observed strip centered 40" to its WSW. This star was possibly bound to the precursor star of the SNR remnant.

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is a bright, irregularly round glow, ~2' diameter, located ~4' ENE of the Seagull or Dragon's Head Nebula and part of the same emission complex. The nebulosity surrounds a cluster of roughly 15 stars (LH 88). A UHC filter provided an excellent contrast gain at 200x and revealed a very irregular outline. The POSS image shows delicate filaments to the south forming a large loop (SNR shell SNR 0536-67.6) although I don't believe this extension was recorded.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2040 = h2918 on 2 Nov 1834 and recorded "F; irreg R; glbM; r; 2'. (Pl III, fig 5)." On a later sweep he reported "vF; R; follows 3 vB L nebulae [NGC 2030, NGC 2032 and NGC 2035] which run together." His position (from 5 sweeps) is accurate and an excellent sketch of the complex is on plate III, figure 3.

James Dunlop possibly discovered this nebula (D 220) earlier on 27 Sep 1826 and logged "a round faint nebula, about 40" diameter." His position is just 4' NNW of the center of LMC N59B = NGC 2040, but given the range of his positional errors, it's possible this observation either refers to nearby NGC 2032 or 2035 (part of the same complex).

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NGC 2041 = ESO 086-SC16 = S-L 605

05 36 28.0 -66 59 29

V = 10.4; Size 0.7'

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x, this LMC cluster appears bright, fairly small, round, 1' diameter, high surface brightness. Symmetrical appearance and increases to a very small bright core and a stellar nucleus. This young, massive cluster is located ~7' SE of the elongated cluster NGC 2034 at the east end of the very large, extended collection of associations (the "Quadrant") that includes NGC 2026 and 2002 on the western side.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2041 = h2919 on 2 Nov 1834 and described as "B, S, vgbM, 20"." On a second sweep he noted "a rich clustering part precedes." His position (measured on 4 sweeps) is accurate. Wolfgang Steinicke and Glen Cozens both credit James Dunlop with the discovery on 6 Nov 1826. His entry for D 241 describes "a large cluster of small stars of mixt magnitudes in strong nebula; irregular extended figure." His position is 6.6' NW of the cluster, but his description implies a much larger object - like NGC 2027/2034 and the position is a closer match.

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NGC 2042 = ESO 056-SC163 = S-L 601 = LH 89n

05 36 09.6 -68 55 24

V = 9.6; Size 6'x3'

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly large patch of stars and haze (association LH 89), ~5' in size. At least two dozen stars are resolved in an elongated group oriented SW-NE, including a few mag 10 stars over unresolved stars or outer nebulous haze from the Tarantula complex. Two additional knots are to the northwest and form an obtuse isosceles triangle with NGC 2042. The first knot is KMHK 1122 situated 5' NW and S-L 585 is 10' NW. NGC 2042 is located just 17' NW of the center of the Tarantula Nebula.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2042 = h2922 on 30 Dec 1836 and recorded "the chief star (9th mag) of a large, irregular figured, looped or hooked cluster of stars 12..15th mag, rich and various, and filling the field." His description and position applies to the assocation LH 89.

This object may have been discovered earlier by James Dunlop. His D181, described as a "small faint nebula, 10" or 12" diameter" is 5.5' NW of center of the association. But the description doesn't match an object of this size. His D 140, described as "a small faint round nebula" is a similar distance SW of center, but again the description is a very poor match. Finally D 183, described as "a faint ill-defined nebula, 20" diameter", is ~8' NE but another poor match in description. So, I'm not confident any of these observations referring to NGC 2042.

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NGC 2043 = NGC 2036? = ESO 056-SC155

05 34 32 -70 03 54

=NGC 2036?, Jenni Kay. =NF, Lindsay. =ESO 56-SC168, ESO and Corwin.

Pietro Baracchi discovered NGC 2043 on 18 Dec 1884 with the 48-inch f/41 Great Melbourne Telescope and it was included in R. L. Ellery's "Observations of Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope 1869 - 1885". He wrote "preceding H. 1259 [NGC 2058] by 79.5 sec and 4' 30" north is a small elongated group of minute stars in very thin nebula..". There is nothing at his offset from NGC 2058 except very faint stars. ESO identifes ESO 056-168, an extremely faint cluster close to Baracchi's position, as NGC 2043. But this cluster is probably too faint. Eric Lindsay, in the 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (IAJ, 6, 286-289), comments "Not found. Star-rich region but no evidence of clustering. Not listed by Herschel. In the Melbourne Catalogue."

Harold Corwin suggests NGC 2043 is a N-S string of stars (about 1.7' length) situated 2.5' S of Baracchi's position, which is a good match with his description.

Jenni Kay suggests NGC 2043 was a duplicate observation of NGC 2036, discovered earlier by John Herschel but with a published error in declination of 1 degree (he actually noted that this was a strong possibility). Furthermore, the GC (and later the NGC) carry forward this declination error without any reference to the discrepancy. So, Baracchi would have thought this cluster was a new discovery. This requires he made a 1 min error in RA (NGC 2036 precedes NGC 2058 by 2 min 23 sec of RA, instead of 1 min 20 sec of RA), though the dec would be fairly close.

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NGC 2044 = 30 Dor C = ESO 056-SC165 = S-L 602 = LH 90

05 36 06.2 -69 11 55

V = 10.6; Size 4.5'

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): group of about a dozen stars in a 3' diameter at 171x dominated by three brighter stars in a E-W string. Two of the "stars" in this line are actually compact clusters (BRHT 17a and 17b) with multiple components on a HST image. Also a mag 11.5 "star" on the north side is a compact cluster (KMK 87). NGC 2044 is situated in the outer portion of the 30 Doradus complex 16' SW from the central core. Like NGC 2060, this stellar association (LH 90) also harbors a young SNR! Also, the site of SNR 1987A (05 35 28, -69 16.2) lies only 5.5' SW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2044 between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and listed as #608 in his preliminary catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major." His position is ~1' south of the center of this cluster/association (LH 90).

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NGC 2045 = Ced 58 = SAO 94827

05 45 01.3 +12 53 18

V = 6.6

=*6.6 = SAO 94827, Gottlieb. =no nebulosity, Carlson.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2045 = h367 on 23 Jan 1832 and recorded "a star 8-9 mag with faint nebulosity." His position coincides precisely with mag 6.6 HD 38263. Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, describes NGC 2045 as "BD+12 884, nebulous?" Although classified as nonexistent in RNGC, the RA is 5.0 minutes too small.

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NGC 2046 = ESO 056-SC162 = S-L 597

05 35 37.6 -70 14 27

V = 12.6; Size 1.3'

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the first in a rich field of 8 NGC clusters (with the brightest NGC 2058). At 200x, it appeared bright, fairly small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE in the direction of a mag 13 star just 0.8' SW. The core seems offset from the center to the NE end or a compact knot of stars is attached at the following end. NGC 2047 lies 3.2' NNE. Located 6' SE of mag 8.2 HD 37762.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2046 = h2923 on 11 Nov 1836 and descrbed as "vF; R; gbM; the first of a group of six nebulae. See Pl IV, fig 9. His position and sketch is accurate. Joseph Turner also sketched the entire group of clusters (NGC 2046, 2047, 2057, 2058, 2059, 2065, 2066) on 26 Apr 1876 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope. See http://www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/lithograph_m_4_33.php

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NGC 2047 = ESO 056-SC167 = S-L 600

05 35 54.4 -70 11 29

V = 13.2; Size 0.9'

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this LMC cluster is located on the west side of a rich field of 8 NGC clusters in the 13mm Ethos (200x). It appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, 45" diameter. A faint star is at the south edge. Forms a pair with slightly brighter NGC 2046 3.2' SSW. Located 5.8' ESE of mag 8.2 HD 37762 and 5.4' WSW of NGC 2058.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2047 = h2925 on 11 Nov 1836 and described as "the second of a group. Pl IV, fig 9." His position and sketch is accurate. The entire group of clusters (NGC 2046, 2047, 2057, 2058, 2059, 2065, 2066) was also sketched by Joseph Turner on 26 Apr 1876 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope. See http://www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/lithograph_m_4_33.php

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NGC 2048 = ESO 056-*N166 = LMC-N154A = LH 87

05 35 56 -69 38 54

V = 12.2; Size 2'

14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 142x + NPB filter): NGC 2048 is a bright elongated glow, ~1'x0.7' E-W, surrounded by fainter nebulous haze extending 3'-4' in diameter. The emission component (LHA 120-N 154A) is cradled around the south and east side by a large, semicircular chain with mostly mag 12 stars and a total length of ~15' (association LH 87). NGC 2048 is situated in a glorious region of the LMC; extending to the southwest is NGC 2033 = LH 81, a large stellar association (the stars on the south side of the semicircular chain are likely members) and further north is NGC 2055 = LH 96, a huge rich cloud just south of the Tarantula Nebula.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2048 = h2926 in 1834-1835 (exact sweep or date unknown as based on a sketch of the Tarantula Nebula (NGC 2070) region made over several nights in Nov 1834 and Dec 1835) and described as "a very faint large oval ill-defined nebula; not taken in sweeping, but laid down from a careful drawing. See Notes on Catalogue of Nubecula Major". His position is 3' NE of the center of this nebula. Hodge and Wright describe it as "possibly only 2-3 stars in nebulosity" in their LMC Atlas.

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NGC 2049 = ESO 424-011 = MCG -05-14-011 = PGC 17657

05 43 15.2 -30 04 42

V = 12.8; Size 2.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 168d

18" (12/22/11): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, 0.6'x0.3', low surface brightness, very weak concentration (possibly viewed through thin clouds). IC 2147 lies 25' S.

17.5" (12/8/90): fairly faint, small, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, bright core.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2049 = h2921 on 28 Jan 1835 and recorded "vF; S; R; pslbM; 25." His position (measured on two sweeps) matches ESO 424-011 = PGC 17657.

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NGC 2050 = ESO 056-SC170 = S-L 609 = LH 93

05 36 41.8 -69 22 49

V = 9.3; Size 3.0'x2.4'

14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 142x): NGC 2050 was taken as a 2'-3' patch of stars on the north side of the large stellar association LH 96, a 15'x10' cloud of roughly 120 stars. At 142x, ~20 stars were resolved including a mag 10.6 star at the west edge and a mag 10.7 star (11" double) at the southwest edge. The central part contains several mag 12 stars. A long stream of mag 10-12 stars begins about 12' SW of the cluster and extends east-northeast for over 20', passing just south of the Tarantula Nebula, and heads towards NGC 2100. Several of the nearby stars in this stream may also be part of NGC 2050.

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x, appears as just a locally brighter spot containing perhaps a dozen stars over a hazy background glow (stellar association LH 93), ~2' in diameter. Embedded in the edge of an amazing 15'-20' linear stream of stars (association LH 93/94) which runs through the field from east-northeast to west-southwest. This long chain passes just off the south side of the tendrils of the Tarantula Nebula and heads towards NGC 2050! NGC 2050 is situated 30' SW of the center of the Tarantula.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2050 = h2928 in 1834-1835 (exact date unknown as based on a sketch of the Tarantula Nebula (NGC 2070) made over several nights in Nov 1834 and Dec 1835). He described this object "Cl VI; vF st and nebulosity of irregular branching figure, or rather 3 clusters connected. See Notes on Catalogue of Nubecula Major." His position falls in the north-central portion of NGC 2055, a very large association and probably included part of the stream of stars mentioned in my description.. See Harold Corwin's notes for more on this object.

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NGC 2051 = ESO 056-SC169 = S-L 608

05 36 07.5 -71 00 43

V = 11.7; Size 1.7'

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x this LMC cluster appeared bright, fairly small, round, 35" diameter. Located 12' ESE of brighter NGC 2031. Two additional S-L clusters (617 and 624) share the field 8.5' SSE. The cluster is also equidistant from a mag 9 star 8' NW and mag 7.6 HD 37899 a similar distance SW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2051 = h2930 on 23 Dec 1834 and reported "pB; S; R; gbM; 30"; insulated." His position from a single sweep is accurate.

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NGC 2052 = ESO 056-EN176 = LMC-N155

05 37 11 -69 46 30

Size 1.2'

14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 142x): without a filter this emission nebula (N155) is a very faint, small patch perhaps 35" diameter, only a couple of faint stars are involved. Situated midway between a mag 12 star 2' W and a mag 12.5 star 2' ENE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2052 = h2929 in 1834-1835 (sweep number and date unknown as based on a sketch of the Tarantula Nebula (NGC 2070) region made over several nights in Nov 1834 and Dec 1835) and described as "vvF, vvL, vglbM." Herschel changed the description in the GC to read "eF, vvS, vglbM" (probably an error) and this was copied by Dreyer into the NGC. His position is 2.5' SW of the faint HII region Henize N155, which the Hodge-Wright Atlas and the ESO identify as NGC 2052. There are no other nearby candidates. Harold Corwin suggests "NGC 2052 may be the large diffuse nebula 2 minutes of time preceding JH's position. But it may not be."

Eric Lindsay, in the 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (IAJ, 6, 286-289), notes "Should be 2.3m E of NGC 2033. It may be a small group slightly NE in which is Henize N155. Dreyer and Herschel differ as to size [actually Herschel changed the size]. Position measured by Herschel from a drawing and not during a sweep."

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NGC 2053 = ESO 086-SC017 = S-L 623

05 37 40 -67 24 48

V = 12.2; Size 1.2'

14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 142x and 184x): fairly bright, relatively large, slightly elongated N-S, 1.0' diameter, smooth glow at 142x, slightly mottled at 184x. A mag 12 star is 1.2' W. Located 23' W of mag 7.0 HD 38616 and ~15' NE of the showpiece Seagull Nebula complex (NGC 2030, 2032, 2035, 2040).

S-L 628 lies 7' NE. It was immediately seen as an moderately bright, fairly small glow, round, 25" diameter, fairly high surface brightness, no resolution.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2053 = h2927 on 2 Jan 1837 and noted "F; lE; gbM; 2'." His position from a single sweep is 1' SSE of this cluster.

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NGC 2054

05 45 15.4 -10 04 59

=4*, HC and Dreyer.

George Bond discovered NGC 2054 = HN 3 on 6 Oct 1850 with a 4-inch comet-seeker at the Harvard College Observatory. He mentioned that it required confirmation and JH didn't include this object in the GC. Dreyer observed the cluster using the 72" at Birr Castle on 13 Jan 1877 and reported "vF, pS, iR, at times I thought it was a very small cluster, but it is doubtful". Nevertheless, he included it in the GC Supplement (GC 5354). Herbert Howe observed it around 1899 using a 20" refractor and noted "it appears to be simply a small triangle composed of 2 stars of mag 12, and one of mag 13." Bigourdan's position from 26 Dec 1891 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes) also corresponds with three mag 14.5, 14.7 and 14.9 stars within 30", along with a couple of fainter stars.

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NGC 2055 = ESO 056-SC171 = LH 96

05 36 45 -69 29 54

V = 8.4; Size 15'x10'

14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 142x): roughly 120 stars are resolved in a gorgeous 15'x10' SW-NE star cloud (association LH 96) situated to the south of the Tarantula Nebula. The cloud is rich in faint stars but also includes a mag 9.6 star (HD 269820) at the southwest edge, along with a few other mag 10.5 stars. The background shows unresolved haze and perhaps nebulosity. Adding an NPB filter, there is definite nebulosity in the northeastern quadrant of the cloud. It spreads northwest and northeast, merging with the outer tendrils of the Tarantula Nebula!

Within this cloud is S-L 610 (often misidentified as NGC 2055), a small knot of four stars in a 1' region. It includes two bright "stars" (R127, V ≈ 10.5 and R128, V ≈ 10.7 ) at 20" separation, along with two 12th mag stars to the northwest. Both R127 and R128 are very compact clusters with R127 containing the brightest Luminous Blue Variable (LBV) in the LMC! NGC 2050 is probably a group of stars on the north side of the cloud. Roughly ~20 stars were resolved including a mag 10.6 star at the west edge and a mag 10.7 star (11" double) at the southwest edge. The central part contains several mag 12 stars. A long stream of mag 10-12 stars begins about 12' SW of the cluster and extends east-northeast for over 20', passing just south of the Tarantula Nebula.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2055 = h2931 on 24 Nov 1834 and noted "a vL v rich cluster of sc st 10...15 which more than fills the field." His position is near the center of this large association or star cloud (LH 96), which includes NGC 2050 and S-L 610.

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NGC 2056 = ESO 056-SC172 = S-L 611

05 36 34 -70 40 17

V = 11.8; Size 1.5'

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very bright, fairly large, 1.2' diameter, very high surface brightness core, mottled and clumpy halo with a couple of mag 15.5-16 stars resolved around the edges. Second of three with NGC 2038 11' NW and NGC 2075 9' ESE. Mag 9.3 HD 38174 is near the midpoint of NGC 2056 and 2075. Mag 10.5 HD 269825 lies 3.6' SSW and a mag 11 star is 2.5' N.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2056 = h2932 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "pB, R, bM, the preceding of 2 [with NGC 2075] on the same parallel; a star 9 mag between." His position is ~30" SE of center of this cluster.

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NGC 2057 = ESO 056-SC174 = S-L 616

05 36 56.2 -70 16 10

V = 12.2; Size 1.8'

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this LMC cluster is on the south side of a field filled with 8 NGC clusters. At 260x it appeared bright, fairly small, round, ~30" diameter, fairly well concentrated with a small bright core. Situated on a line between NGC 2065 4' NE and a mag 10.4 HD 269839 3' SW. NGC 2046 lies 6.8' WNW, 2047 7.0' NW and 2058 6.4' N.

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 2057 = D 104? on 24 Sep 1826 and described "a very small faint nebula, 8" or 10" diameter." He made a single observation and his position is 11' SE of this cluster. Assuming Dunlop also picked up NGC 2057 = D 104 and NGC 2065 = D 105, this identification is reasonable. JH independently discovered NGC 2057 = h2935 on 11 Nov 1836 and recorded "pF; S; R; gbM; the 5th (4th properly) of a group of 6, RA only estimated from a rough diagram incorrect (as it would seem) in the order of the objects."

The entire group of clusters (NGC 2046, 2047, 2057, 2058, 2059, 2065, 2066) was sketched by Joseph Turner on 26 Apr 1876 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope. See http://www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/lithograph_m_4_33.php

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NGC 2058 = ESO 056-SC173 = S-L 614

05 36 54.5 -70 09 44

V = 11.9; Size 2.1'

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the brightest cluster in a 15' field of 8 NGC clusters including NGC 2046, 47, 57, 59, 65, 66 and 72. All 8 clusters easily fit in the field of 13mm Ethos at 200x within a 20' circle. Using 260x, NGC 2058 appeared very bright, large, well concentrated. The outer halo extends up to 2' diameter using averted vision. At 350x, a few very faint stars are resolved in the halo and around the edges of the core. Two mag 12.5-13 stars lie 1' WSW and 1.5' WNW. Other nearby clusters include NGC 2059 2' N, NGC 2066 4.1' E, NGC 2047 5.4' WSW and NGC 2065 5.8' SE. I also picked up a couple of "anonymous" clusters or HII knots. OGLE-CL LMC 632 is north of NGC 2059 and LHA 120-N171B is following NGC 2072. This group of clusters is located just over a degree south of the Tarantula Nebula.

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 2058 = D 103 on 24 Sep 1826 and described "a A round well-defined nebula, 30" diameter, bright at the centre. The preceding of three nebulae forming a triangle" He made a single observation and his position is just 3.7' NW of the cluster. On 11 Nov 1836, JH called this cluster (h2933), "B; R; gbM; 90"; the 3rd of a group of 6." Three sweeps later he observed the cluster again as "vB; R; the 3rd of a group of 7. Pl IV, fig 9." His position and sketch is accurate. JH equated Dunlop 102 with h2933, which Dunlop described as "a faint ill-defined nebula, perhaps 3' diameter". The large size, though, makes this identification unlikely.

The entire group of clusters (NGC 2046, 2047, 2057, 2058, 2059, 2065, 2066) was also sketched by Joseph Turner on 26 Apr 1876 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope. See http://www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/lithograph_m_4_33.php

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NGC 2059 = ESO 056-SC175 = S-L 613

05 37 01.5 -70 07 37

V = 12.9; Size 1.1'

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this LMC cluster is on the north side of a field of 8 NGC clusters. At 200x it appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, 35" diameter. At 350x it appeared grainy but was still unresolved except for a faint star at the north edge. Located 2.1' NNE of NGC 2058 and just 40" following a mag 12 star.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2059 = h2936 on 11 Nov 1836 and reported "vF; the 5th (4th in MS) of a group of 6. Pl IV, fig 9." His position and sketch is accurate. This cluster was also sketched using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope. See http://www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/lithograph_m_4_32.php). The cluster was shown as elongated N-S. The Hodge-Wright Atlas misidentifies OGLE-CL LMC 632 (too far north) as NGC 2059.

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NGC 2060 = 30 Dor B = LMC-N157B = ESO 057-EN1 = LH 99 = SNR 0538-69.1

05 37 46.9 -69 10 18

V = 9.6; Size 2'

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this fairly small knot of nebulosity is situated just southwest of the main mass of the Tarantula nebula approximately 7' from the center. About a half-dozen mag 12-14 stars are involved (association LH 99) in the glow with a total diameter of 2'. A mag 12 "star" on the north edge (Brey 73 = TLD1) was resolved by the HST into a very compact cluster with 11 components, including a Wolf-Rayet star.

Studies have shown NGC 2060 harbors a compact x-ray source and a rapidly rotating pulsar, indicating an obscured Crab-like supernova remnant (1998 IAU Circ., 6810, 2). The cluster also contains VFTS 102, the most rapidly rotating massive O-type star known, which is possibly related to the pulsar.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2060 between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and listed it as #642 in his preliminary catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major." (not included in his main CGH catalogue). His position corresponds with this SNR on the southwest side of the Tarantula nebula.

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NGC 2061 = ESO 363-**16

05 42 53.2 -33 57 29

Size 16'

18" (1/15/07): at 115x I was initially attacted by a large, bright trapezoid-shaped asterism of 5 stars with a pair of 9.5-magnitude stars at 35" separation at the NW vertex. The brightest star in the asterism is a mag 7.2 orange star at the NE vertex with an 11th magnitude companion (h3794). But John Herschel was likely referring to an 8' scattering of a couple of dozen mag 13 and fainter stars that lie to the north of the bright star. This group appears to be a random collection at the eyepiece.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2061 = h2924 on 9 Jan 1836 and logged "Cluster, 8th class, course, loose and filling the field; stars 10...13m. Place that of a double star in a vacant part." There is no double star at Herschel's position but exactly 1.0 tmin west is h3794 = 7.7/11.6 at 20" separation with a mean position of 05 42 53.2 -33 57 29 (J2000). There is a scattering of stars extending 8' north and five brighter stars to the south. The ESO position is 05 42 42 -34 00.6 (2000), and it is classified as a group of stars instead of a cluster. Dorothy Carlson also classifies this group as "no cl" (from Helwan Observatory) and this is repeated in the RNGC.

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NGC 2062 = ESO 086-SC020 = S-L 640

05 40 03.8 -66 52 36

V = 12.7; Size 0.9'

18" (4/6/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 30" diameter, mottled. Some extremely faint stars are on the verge of resolution including one at the north or northeast edge. Two mag 9.8 stars lie 1.6' S and 2.9' SSW. A small, low surface patch, ~20"x15" NW-SE, was noticed 4.7' W. On the DSS, it appears to be a possible uncatalogued LMC cluster. S-L 643 lies 10' SSE. It appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, smooth surface brightness. Located 4.7' E of mag 8.4 HD 38305. A mag 12 star is 2' SE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2062 = h2937 on 3 Jan 1837 and recorded "vF; E; glbM; 40"; north of 2 stars 10m." His position is 1 tmin too far west, but his declination matches this cluster and two bright stars lie to the south, so the identification is certain. Eric Lindsay first noted this error in "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (IAJ, 6, 286-289), "Position should probably be 1.3m E corresponding to S/L 640."

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NGC 2063

05 46 48 +08 39 12

18" (1/26/09): although nothing stands out in the field, near William Herschel's position is a group of 30 stars elongated N-S in a string. Includes mag 10.1 HD 247555 near the north end, though the richest concentration is at the south end (7' S from the bright star).

Other observers have picked brighter groupings in the area as NGC 2063 and WH's description of "a small cluster of very small scattered stars" is not very helpful. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent and in any case this number likely applies to an asterism and not a true cluster.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2063 = H VIII-2 on 26 Dec 1783 (very early sweep 67) and logged "A small Cl of scattered stars." In a second sweep (28 Dec 1785) he reported "A few pretty closely scattered very small stars." JH equated his h366 = NGC 2039 with his father's H VIII-2, but these are two diferent star fields. Harold Corwin notes there is only a small grouping of faint stars near WH's position although a larger and brighter patch of stars is ~8' south-southeast. In any case, this is likely just a random group of stars. The position given in Archinal and Hynes (Star Clusters) to the west of NGC 2039 is incorrect. See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 2064 = LBN 939 = Ced 55s

05 46 18.4 +00 00 21

Size 12'x2'

17.5" (12/20/95): very faint reflection nebula in the M78 complex, but clearly visible. Appears elongated 2:1 SW-NE, at most 2'x1'. There are no involved stars. Located 7' SW of M78 and 4' SE of a mag 10.5 star. The large listed dimensions refer to a very elongated strip extending NNE on the west side of M78.

13" (2/25/84): very faint reflection nebula, small. Located 7' WSW of M78 and 4' SE of a mag 10.5 star. This difficult object is near the visual threshold.

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2064 near M78 on 11 Jan 1864. He noted a mag 9-10 star was 4' north-preceding and measured an accurate position (2 nights). The visual extent is much smaller than the catalogued dimensions.

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NGC 2065 = ESO 057-SC002 = S-L 626

05 37 35.9 -70 14 07

V = 11.2; Size 2.6'

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x, this LMC cluster appeared very bright, fairly large, round, 1.2' diameter, weak concentration. With averted vision, the surface is mottled and the outer halo increases to at least 1.5'. The cluster appeared very lively at 350x with a few stars just on the verge of resolution. At this power the halo appeared up to 1.8' in diameter. A mag 12 star is at the NE edge and two mag 13/13.5 stars lie ~1.5' WNW. Eight NGC clusters reside in this one field with four other clusters within 6': NGC 2057 4' SW, NGC 2066 4.2' N, NGC 2072 4' E and NGC 2058 5.8' NW!

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 2065 = D 105 on 24 Sep 1826 and described "a round well-defined nebula, 25" diameter." He made two observations and his position is 9' SE of this cluster. On 11 Oct 1836, JH found the cluster and reported h2938 as "pB; R; last of group of 6. Pl IV, fig 9." Three sweeps later he noted "B; the 6th of a group of 7." His position and sketch is accurate. He questioned if this object was D 103, though D105 seems a better match. The entire group of clusters (NGC 2046, 2047, 2057, 2058, 2059, 2065, 2066) was also sketched by Joseph Turner on 26 Apr 1876 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope. See http://www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/lithograph_m_4_33.php

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NGC 2066 = ESO 057-SC003 = S-L 627

05 37 41.2 -70 09 58

V = 13.1; Size 1.0'

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x appeared moderately bright and large, round, 45" diameter, very weakly concentrated. Located on the eastern end of a rich field of 9 NGC clusters and forms the vertex of an isosceles right triangle with NGC 2065 4.2' due south and NGC 2058 4.1' due west.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2066 = h2939 on 12 Nov 1836 and noted "vF and S; the last of a group of 7; this nebula escaped notice sweep 748. Plate IV, fig 9." The sketch on Plate IV accurately places the 7 clusters (flipped right-left and upside down). The entire group of clusters (NGC 2046, 2047, 2057, 2058, 2059, 2065, 2066) was also sketched by Joseph Turner on 26 Apr 1876 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope. See http://www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/lithograph_m_4_33.php

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NGC 2067 = Ced 55t

05 46 29 +00 06 24

Size 8'x3'

13.1" (2/25/84): extremely faint, suspected reflection nebula 5' WNW of M78. Sighting uncertain as only visible fleetingly. [It's not clear from my description whether I observed the very low surface brightness circular patch NW of M78 or the brightest portion of the streamer pointing towards NGC 2064].

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2067 = T I-17 in 1876 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory. His position and rough tranlation of his description (in German) points to the very faint nebulosity to the northwest of M78. Harold Corwin lists two possible regions as the intended object - "a large patch of pretty low surface brightness nebulosity about 5 arcmin northwest of M78" and "a knot about 3 arcmin southwest, the brightest part of a long faint streamer pointed toward NGC 2064". It's possible that Tempel's nebula applies to both sections.

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NGC 2068 = M78 = Ced 55u = vdB 59

05 46 45 +00 04 42

V = 8.0; Size 8'x6'

17.5" (12/20/95): very bright reflection nebula surrounding two mag 10.5 stars with a mag 13 star involved at the south end. Large, irregular shape, 6'x4'. Brightest along the north side which has a sharply defined slightly bowed-out edge with one of the mag 10.5 stars near the midpoint. A brighter knot is just following this star. The nebula irregularly fans out towards the south and fades with no distinct borders but tapers somewhat at the south edge.

17.5" (2/1/92):very bright, surprisingly large, 6'x4'. Surrounds two mag 10 stars although the nebulosity extends further to east of these stars. Also a mag 13 star is embedded in the SE end. Brighter and sharper edge gently curves from west to north side. Appears to fan out to the SE where the nebula gradually fades into background. Brightest in a group of reflection nebulae including NGC 2064 7' SW and NGC 2067 6' WNW.

8" (12/6/80): bright reflection nebula, large, NW edge brighter and sharper, elongated, roughly rectangular, wide pair of mag 10 stars involved, striking. Brightest in a group of reflection nebulae.

Pierre Méchain discovered M78 = NGC 2068 = h368 in March 1780. WH described M78 on 19 Dec 1783 as "Two large [bright] stars, well defined, within a nebulous glare of light resembling that in Orion's sword. There are also three very small [faint] stars just visible in the nebulous part which seem to be component particles thereof. I think there is a faint ray near 1/2 deg long towards the east and another towards the south east less extended, but I am not quite so well assured of the reality of these latter phenomena as I could wish, and would rather ascribe them to some deception. At least I shall suspend my judgement till I have seen it again in very fine weather, tho' the night is far from bad." M78 was the first reflection nebula that was discovered.

R.J. Mitchell, using LdR's 72" on 9 Jan 1856, described "in finder eyepiece a B oval neb with n and nf edges brightest and best defined, and sp edge fading away gradually; with higher power there is seen a decided darkness at and between the stars. I can confirm previous observation as to the curve formed by the brightest part of the neb."

Joseph Turner made a sketch in Dec 1876 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope - see http://www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/lithograph_m_3_31.php

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NGC 2069 = Tarantula Nebula = ESO 057-EN007

05 38 37.7 -69 00 49

V = 10.1

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the northern outer loop of the Tarantula Nebula which Dunlop and Herschel catalogued separately. Several mag 12-13 stars are involved. See observing notes for NGC 2070.

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2069 = D 143 on 3 Aug 1826 with his 9 reflector and noted a "A pretty large, faint, ill-defined nebula, elongated in the direction of the meridian." His position is 2'-3' too far north (unusually accurate for him). JH recorded h2940 on 24 Nov 1834 as "the middle of a large extended faint nebulous mass which forms the northern branch of the great looped nebula, and is almost, or entirely, detached from it. See the next object [Tarantula Nebula]."

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NGC 2070 = Tarantula Nebula = 30 Doradus = LMC-N157A = ESO 057-EN6 = S-L 633 = LH 100

05 38 42 -69 06 03

V = 8.3; Size 40'

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x unfiltered, I examined the 30 Doradus cluster = R136 cluster at the heart of the Tarantula Nebula. The cluster is dominated by R136a, a 10th magnitude bloated "star" at the center that would not focus sharply. Surrounding this star was a compact but very rich carpet of dozens of mag 14-15.5 stars packed into a 1' region that were much too numerous to count.

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): The Tarantula nebula was simply unreal at 200x in the 13mm Ethos with a UHC filter -- better than any photo I've seen and convincingly 3-dimensional, even though I viewed it late so the elevation was only 20°. Although this magnification brought out an unbelievable amount of detail in the loops and ribbons, the main complex fit snugly in the eyepiece field (30').

20" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): the Tarantula is the largest known emission region (800-1000 light years) and is easily visible to the naked-eye from Australia. The view of the Tarantula early in the morning through a 20" f/5 at 127x (20 Nagler) and OIII filter was jaw-dropping! Near the center are several bright loops and arcs. Extending out are a number of convoluted loops including one heart-shaped arch which is quite large. Running out from the central region of the nebula are streaming lanes of nebulosity. One in particular extends quite a long distance and the outer loops and streamers seem to merge into some of the nearby HII regions forming a mind-boggling complex. There are perhaps 10 different loops and ribbons in the main body giving a 3-dimensional effect. Near the center lies an extremely compact cluster of superluminous stars (R136) but only a few were visible including what appears to be a single bright star. Also a number of additional stars are scattered about the main body.

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 2060 lies 6.5' SW of the central cluster (R136) of the Tarantula. It appeared as a fairly small knot of nebulosity, ~2' diameter, with about a half-dozen mag 12-14 stars involved (association LH 99) in the glow. A mag 12 "star" on the north edge has been resolved into a very compact cluster by the HST. Studies have shown this nebula contains a compact x-ray source and a rapidly rotating pulsar, indicating NGC 2060 is a Crab-like supernova remnant in the LMC (1998 IAU Circ., 6810, 2).

Hodge 301 is the oldest cluster in the Tarantula (age 25-30 million years) and is situated just 3' NW of the central cluster (R136). It appeared as a coompact 30" knot with a half-dozen mag 13-14 stars resolved over haze.

12" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): first view of the Tarantula in Les Dalrymple's 12" was early in the evening, very low in the southern sky (20° elevation) and without a filter. Even under these conditions it was a fascinating sight – fairly bright, detailed, 15' convoluted, mottled nebulosity with several striking loops or ribbons which radiate out from the central region. Sweeping in the nearby fields I ran across numerous small knots of nebulosity and small clusters.

10x30 IS binoculars (1/21/12): viewed the Tarantula Nebula in a 19" dobsonian (pointed horizontally) and in my binoculars. At a declination of -69.1°, the Tarantula just skimmed the horizon from the 9300' Mauna Kea Visitor Center, culminating 1.1° above the horizon!  Still with atmospheric refraction, it was obvious in the binoculars. There was too much extinction and seeing effects for much structure in the 19".

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 2070 = Lac I-2 = D 142 = h2941 in 1751-1752 using a half-inch refractor at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope. He included it in his 1755 catalogue as Class I No. 2 and remarked "like the former [NGC 104: "like the nucleus of a fairly bright comet] but faint." James Dunlop reported D 142 as "a pretty large ill-defined nebula, of an irregular branched figure, with a pretty bright small star in the south side of the centre, which gives it the appearance of a nucleus. This is resolvable into very minute stars - Figure 4. is a very good representation of the nebula resolved. (N.B. The 30 Doradus is surrounded by a number of nebulae of considerable magnitudes, nine or ten in number, with the 30 Doradus in the centre.)"

On his first observation from the Cape of Good Hope, JH noted "the great nebula; an assemblage of loops." He later discussed in detail, "This is one of the most singular and extraordinary objects which the heavens present, and derives no small addition to its intrinsic interest from its situation, which is among the thickest of the nebulae and clustering groups of the greater Nubecula, of whose total area it occupies one-five hundredth part. For these reasons, as well as because its real nature has been completely misunderstood, and its magnified appearance so strangely misrepresented in the only figure which I am aware to have been made of it as to convey an entirely erroneous impression both of its form and structure; I have taken great pains to give as nearly as possible a perfect representation of it as it appeared in the twenty-feet reflector on a great many occasions, but more especially on the 29th November, 1834, when a 'very careful drawing' was made of it by the eye alone, unaided by any micrometrical measures; and on the 21st and 22nd December, 1835, when the nebula was worked in from the telescope on a 'skeleton' previously prepared by an approximate reduction of the micrometrical measures of its principle stars, forming a chart, with a system of triangles, for its reception and for that of minute stars not susceptible of micrometric measurement, or not considered as of sufficient importance to be so measured. This is the only mode in which correct monographs can be executed of nebulae of this kind which consist of complicated windings and ill-defined members obliterated by the smallest illumination of the field of view; and in which the small stars, when very numerous, can be mapped down with tolerable precision. The following catalogue contains all the stars which I have been able distinctly to perceive within the area occupied by the nebula and nearly adjacent to it... [The catalogue contains 105 stars.] The stars thus scattered over the area occupied by this nebula may or may not be systematically connected with it, either as an individual object, or as part of the vast and complex system which constitutes the Nubecula. In respect of their arrangement there is nothing to distinguish them from those which occupy the rest of the area covered by the Nubecula, in which every variety of condensation and mode of distribution is to be met with. The nebula itself (as seen in the 20-feet reflector) is of the milky or irresolvable kind - quite as free from any mottling or incipient stellar appearance as any other nebula which I can remember to have examined with that instrument. Its situation in the Nubecula is immediately adjacent to two large and rich clusters [NGC 2042 and NGC 2055]. Mr Dunlop remarks that 'The 30 Doradus is surrounded by a number of nebulae of considerable magnitudes, nine or ten in number, with the 30 Doradus in the centre.', of which nebulae he gives a figured representation. For what objects these can be intended I am quite at a loss to conjecture, unless they be the brighter portions of the nebulous convolutions seen without their connecting enbranchments. But with this supposition their relative situations, intensities, and magnitudes in the figure alluded to, so far as I am able to judge, appear irreconcilable."

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NGC 2071 = LBN 938 = Ced 55v = vdB 60

05 47 07.2 +00 17 39

Size 4'x3'

17.5" (12/20/95): fairly bright reflection nebula surounding a mag 9.5 star, 3.5' diameter. Shape appears irregular (although no distinct borders) but extends more to the south side of the star, which has a faint companion close south. A second mag 9.5 star (not involved) lies 3.5' NW. The field is strangely lacking in stars due to obscuration.

17.5" (2/1/92): fairly bright reflection nebula surrounds a mag 10 star although extends farther south. A second mag 13 star is embedded just south of the bright star. The round outline gradually fades into the background. A mag 10 star is 3.5' NW but the field is strangely devoid of stars due to obscuring dust. Located 15' NNE of M78.

8": faint reflection nebula. Located 15' NNE of M78. Surround the SE member of a mag 10 double star.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2071 = H IV-36 on 1 Jan 1786 (sweep 506) and recorded "a star affected with vF extensive milky chevelure. The star not quite central." On a second observation on 22 Feb 1786 (sweep 526) he noted again "a star with a milky chevelure. vF and extensive." In his PT paper of 1791 he mentions "As by the word chevelure I always denoted something relating to a center, the connection cannot be doubted." His position is fairly accurate.

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NGC 2072 = ESO 057-SC004 = S-L 630

05 38 23.8 -70 14 01

V = 13.2; Size 1.0'

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x this LMC cluster appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, 35"-40" diameter, weak concentration. Located 4' E of NGC 2065 at the east end of a group of 8 NGC clusters (and a couple of fainter ones)

Pietro Baracchi discovered NGC 2072 on 20 Dec 1884 with the 48-inch Great Melbourne Telescope while observing near NGC 2065 in the LMC . He described "following H.1265 [NGC 2065] by 47s and north 40" is a very faint, small, indistinct patch." Barrachi also found NGC 2043 in the area, though the identification for that number is not clear. Dreyer credits "Melbourne Obs" in the NGC (R. L. Ellery's "Observations of Southern Nebulae made with the [48"] Great Melbourne Telescope 1869 - 1885"). His position is just 0.6' NE of center of this small cluster.

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NGC 2073 = ESO 554-031 = MCG -04-14-024 = PGC 17772

05 45 53.9 -21 59 58

V = 12.4; Size 1.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.1

17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 35' NE of the wide bright double star Alpha Leporis 3.6/6.3 at 90".

William Herschel discovered NGC 2073 = H III-241 = h2934 on 20 Nov 1784 (sweep 325) and recorded "eF, vS, lE nearly in the parallel."

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NGC 2074 = LMC-N158C = ESO 057-EN8 = S-L 637 = LH 101

05 39 03 -69 29 54

V = 9.3; Size 3.5'x2.0'

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this prominent HII region (LMC-N158C) and cluster (OB-association LH 101) appeared as a very bright, very large "C" shaped nebula surrounding a semi-circular chain or crown of stars open to the SW. Two bright mag 10.4 and 11 stars oriented SW-NE (50" separation) lie on the northwest end of this crown. The northeastern luminary consists of a 1.8" pair of OB-stars (TDS 3273 = 11.4/11.8) and a mag 12.5 Wolf-Rayet star just 3" W. The mag 11 star to its southwest (HD 269923) is the brightest single star (A0-class) in the cluster. Also, a mag 12.5 star (O3-class supergiant) is situated on southeast end of the chain. A bright knot of diameter ~35" is superimposed on the general glow within the northeast side of the "C". At 216x at least 20 fainter stars were resolved in the chain besides the brighter stars at the ends.

NGC 2074 is part of a huge complex (LMC-N158) stretching 11' SW-NE with NGC 2081, a bright HII region that lies just 8' NE. LMC-N158 is located roughly 20' SSE of the center of the Tarantula Nebula.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2074 = h2942 in 1834-1835 (exact sweep or date unknown as based on a detailed sketch of the Tarantula Nebula (NGC 2070) region made over several nights in Nov 1834 and Dec 1835) and recorded as "pL, pB, mE, of irreg rounded and somewhat serpentine figure, much brighter in its foll part; elongated generally in parallel. Involves 5 stars, 2 of which are 10th mag. See Notes in 'First Approximation Towards a Catalogue of Objects in the Magellanic Clouds...'." His position is ~1' W of center.

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NGC 2075 = LMC-N213 = ESO 057-EN5 = S-L 631

05 38 21 -70 41 04

V = 11.5; Size 2.2'

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very bright, irregular, triangular-shaped, ~50" diameter. Near the center is a very bright knot consisting of a few extremely close stars. A couple of additional stars are resolved within the glow and a number of stars are near the edges. The cluster is surrounded by faint nebulosity (LMC-N213) which doubles the size of the object. Forms the vertex of an isosceles right triangle with mag 9.4 HD 38174 4.5' W and a mag 10 star 4.5' S. Third of three clusters with NGC 2056 9' WNW and NGC 2038 20' NW. NGC 2107 lies 24' ENE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2075 = h2943 on 23 Dec 1834 and logged "B, R, bM, resolved; the following of two on the same parallel [with NGC 2056], a star 9 mag intervening." His position is at the east edge of this nebulous cluster.

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NGC 2076 = MCG -03-15-012 = PGC 17804

05 46 47.1 -16 46 54

V = 13.0; Size 2.2'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 45d

17.5" (12/3/88): moderately bright, fairly large, oval SW-NE, fairly high surface brightness but no distinctive core. Several bright stars are nearby including mag 7.8 SAO 150803 8' NNE and mag 9.2 SAO 150795 5' WNW. This is an early-type galaxy with a broad equatorial dust lane.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2076 = H III-267 on 4 Feb 1785 (sweep 365) and recorded "vF, pS, irr E, bM, requires attention to be seen."

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NGC 2077 = LMC-N160D = ESO 057-EN9 = LH 103

05 39 35.3 -69 39 21

V = 11.7; Size 1.0'

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the southwest component of a very bright, impressive 2' emission patch with NGC 2080. At 200x and UHC filter, NGC 2077 appeared bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 E-W, ~1.2'x0.6'. Without a filter, three fainter stars are involved in the glow (one is a massive Wolf-Rayet star). Forms a close pair with NGC 2080 (Ghost Head Nebula) 1.1' NE.

NGC 2085 and 2086, a smaller pair of bright HII glows, lie 3' and 4' ESE, and the entire collection forms LMC-N160. In addition, a bright complex of HII knots including NGC 2078, 2079, 2083 and 2084 (LMC-N159 and O-association LW 105) lies 5' S. Together these groups form a stunning field about 35' SSE of the Tarantula Nebula.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2077 = h2947 in Dec 1834 (exact sweep date unknown) and described as "The preceding two forming a double nebula. The place deduced from that of the following and brighter [NGC 2080 = h2950], by Delta RA = 7.1sec, Delta NPD = 20", as they result from the drawing of Dec 4, 1837. Pl III, figure 4."

James Dunlop discovered the entire complex (D 145) on 24 Sep 1826 and recorded "This is the centre of a large cluster of extremely minute stars, with many very small nebulae in it." His position is just 4' SE of NGC 2080. As NGC 2077 has a high surface brightness, it was likely picked up as one of the "very small nebulae in it."

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NGC 2078 = LMC-N159F = ESO 057-EN10

05 39 39.7 -69 44 37

V = 10.9; Size 0.8'

25" (10/21/17 - OzSky): NGC 2078 is the northwest portion of the multi-sectioned NGC 2078-79-83-84 complex (LMC-N159). At 244x + NPB filter, it appeared as a bright, elongated N-S patch, ~1.3' in length, with a prominent mag 12.1 star (blue supergiant R128) involved on the south side and two mag 14/14.5 stars on the north end. It appears brightest on the southern end and dims on the northern end. NGC 2079, the brightest section, lies 1.7' S.

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the northwest component of an impressive 4' emission nebula filled with bright knots (LMC-N159), several of which form a curving "S" shape. At 200x and UHC filter it appeared as a fairly bright, moderately large glow surrounding a mag 12 star (B5 supergiant R148) and two fainter stars. This knot is elongated ~E-W, ~1.2'x0.8' and is encased in a fainter outer halo that extends perhaps 1.5', mostly to the north. NGC 2079, an extremely bright isolated patch, lies 1.7' S, NGC 2083 is a similar distance to the east and NGC 2084 is 2.5' SE.

R148 forms a 6" pair - not logged in either of the two observations above - with the optical counterpart (V ≈ 14.8) of LMC X-1, a 10 solar-mass black hole and variable X-ray source. Nearby is the impressive LMC-N160 complex with NGC's 2077 and 2080, another very bright patch of nebulosity 6' N, and NGC's 2085 and 2086, a smaller bright pair, a similar distance to the NE. This complex, along with LMC-N159, is within the O-association LH 105.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2078 = h2948 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "the north preceding of the four principal nuclei of the nebula of Plate III, figure 4." Herschel's sketch shows a complex object with 7 condensations or nuclei, involved in nebulosity. The four NGC objects in this grouping are NGC 2078, 2079, 2083 and NGC 2084. Glen Cozens and Wolfgang Steinicke assign Dunlop's #149 (discovered in 1826) to NGC 2078. Dunlop recorded "a faint round nebula, about 1' diameter" and his position is 6' due east of this emission nebula. But unless there is additional information available, I don't see how a specific object in this complex can be assigned to D 149.

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NGC 2079 = LMC-N159A = ESO 057-EN11

05 39 40 -69 46 20

V = 11.8; Size 1.0'

25" (10/21/17 - OzSky): NGC 2079 = Henize N159A is at the southwest end of the impressive NGC 2078-79-83-84 complex (N159) and has the highest surface brightness. At 244x + NPB filter it appeared extremely bright, moderately large, with an unusual triangular outline, ~1' diameter, extremely high surface brightness. A thin fainter strip is on the south end, otherwise, the outline is very sharply defined. Contains a slightly darker interior region or perhaps a weak dust lane. Unfiltered a faint star or two is at the center, including the O5-type ionizing source DD 13. NGC 2079 is just detached from NGC 2084 to the northeast.

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the brightest section of an impressive 4' collection of perhaps 8 different emission knots (collectively LMC-N159) that are encased in a diffuse glow and carry four separate NGC designations. NGC 2079 (LMC-N159A) is situated on the southwest end of the complex and appeared extremely bright, ~1' diameter,with a uniform very high surface brightness. The outline has an unusual triangular shape (one vertex at the north end) with a well-defined border and appears detached from the main section. Without a filter, a faint star and ionizing source (DD 13, an unresolved pair of O-stars) is located at the center of the glow.

NGC 2079 is collinear with two mag 12 stars 1.7' N (at the center of 2078) and another mag 12 star 3.5' N. The main section of the complex to the northeast forms a large "S" shaped group of multiple knots with NGC 2078 1.7' N, 2084 to the east and 2083 to the NE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2079 = h2949 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "The most southern of a group of 4 or 5 nebulae, 5' diameter, mixed with stars. This is the south preceding of the four chief nuclei [NGC 2078, 2079, 2083 and 2084] of the complex group of Plate III, figure 4". Herschel's sketch shows a complex object with 7 condensations or nuclei involved in nebulosity with the NGC 2079 at the upper right corner in the detailed sketch.

James Dunlop discovered the entire complex earlier in 1826 and described D 152 as "a cluster of six or seven small nebulae, forming a square figure 5' or 6' diameter, with several minute stars mixt. This is a very pretty group of nebulae - see Figure 5." Dunlop's sketch appears to show this complex though his position is 15' SE. Since NGC 2079 is one of the brightest sections, Dunlop should probably be credited with the discovery.

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NGC 2080 = Ghost Head Nebula = LMC-N160A = ESO 057-EN12 = S-L 641

05 39 44.6 -69 38 45

V = 10.4; Size 1.5'

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x and UHC filter, this emission nebula is very impressive, appearing as an extremely bright nebulous glow with an irregular shape, ~1.5' diameter, slightly elongated. The brightest section is encased in a larger, fainter nebulous glow that extends mostly to the south. NGC 2077, a bright HII glow, is attached on the SW side with their centers just 1' apart. Located just 30' SSE of the center of the Tarantula Nebula!

Along with NGC 2085 and 2086, another pair of knots ~3' SE, the complex forms LMC-N160. Roughly 6' S is LMC-N159, another stunning group of nebulous glows consisting of NGC 2078, 2079, 2083 and 2084. NGC 2080 is the brightest region in the LMC-N159/160 complex and is nicknamed the "Ghost-Head Nebula" from a 2000 HST image.

At 350x the view was fascinating with 3 or 4 "stars" embedded (the brightest one or two appeared to be quasi-stellar knots) and NGC 2080 had a curdled texture. A couple of brighter mag 13/14 stars are off the NW side and a number of stars trail off to the east and NE (part of the O-association LH 103).

The two "eyes" of the Ghost Head (noted as quasi-stellar above) are rare, compact "high excitation blobs" (HEBs) of diameter ~3". They were discovered in 1986 and identified as A1 and A2, separated by ~20".

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 2080 = D 145 or D 150 in 1826 and described D 145 as "the centre of a large cluster of extremely minute stars, with many very small nebulae in it." Dunlop's position falls just southwest of the NGC 2077/2080/2085/2086 association and just northwest of the NGC 2078/2079/2083 association, so he certainly observed several of these objects and NGC 2080 is perhaps the brightest individual section. D 150 was recorded as "A well-defined round nebula, small. This precedes a group of nebulae." There is nothing at his position but NGC 2080 is 14' NW and it is on the west side of the complex, so fits the description.

JH observed NGC 2080 = h2947 in Dec 1834 and logged "B; R; double; the other sp [NGC 2077] is F; R; followed by clustering stars." An excellent sketch of the entire complex is on plate III, figure 4.

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NGC 2081 = LMC-N158A = ESO 057-SC13 = LH 104

05 40 00 -69 24 24

V = 9.9; Size 6'x3.5'

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): At 214x, this is a gorgeous star cloud consisting of two dozen stars in a 5' region (stellar association LH 104, which is dominated by B-class supergiants), including many mag 13-14 stars as well as mag 12.2 star HD 38489 (an extreme luminous blue variable!) on the northeast side. Adding a UHC filter enhances a fairly bright HII glow that nearly surrounds the entire cluster in a triangular wreath (weak in the center)! The brightest portion is a ribbon with a bright region (identified in SIMBAD as BSDL 2722) at one end just south of the cluster and extending due east. With closer inspection BSDL 2722 actually consists of a couple of knots and fainter streaks intersecting! Just beyond the east end of this ribbon is NGC 2091, a slightly elongated cluster that is collinear with the streamer. HDE 269936, a mag 11 "star" (found to be an extremely compact cluster) is just off the SW side and NGC 2074, a bright HII region and cluster (part of the same complex LMC-N158), lies 8' SW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2081 = h2951 in 1834-1835 (exact sweep or date unknown as based on a detailed sketch of the Tarantula Nebula (NGC 2070) region made over several nights in Nov 1834 and Dec 1835) and simply noted in the CGH catalogue as a "Cluster VI of vF stars and nebula. See Catalogue of Nubecula Major." His coordinates and placement on his chart of the LMC matches this association.

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NGC 2082 = ESO 086-021 = PGC 17609

05 41 51.0 -64 18 04

V = 12.1; Size 1.8'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.1

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 184x): fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.3' diameter, irregular surface brightness, slightly mottled like a face on spiral. A mag 12 star is 2.5' ESE and two mag 11.5 stars are 8' WNW. Shines through the north edge of the LMC.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2082 = h2945 on 30 Nov 1834 and recorded "pF, L, R, vlbM, 2'." On a later sweep he added "B, L, R, glbM, 90", has a *10m 2' dist 25° south-following." His position and decsription matches ESO 086-021 = PGC 17609.

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NGC 2083 = LMC-N159D = ESO 057-EN14

05 39 58.8 -69 44 10

V = 10.8; Size 1.5'

25" (10/21/17 - OzSky): NGC 2083 is the main northern section and the largest piece of the NGC 2078/79/83/84 complex (LMC-N159 and OB-association LH 105). At 244x and NPB filter it appeared bright, large, nearly 2' in diameter, roughly circular. The surface brightness appeared fairly uniform, though lower at the northeast periphery where is merges with NGC 2078. Unfiltered, a half-dozen dozen stars mag 13.5 and fainter are involved in the nebula, along with mag 12.5 RMC 149, an O8.5-type supergiant near the center. At 397x (unfiltered), a mag 14.5 companion is 7" N of RMC 149 and the star seemed slightly "soft".

On the southeast side of NGC 2083 [44" SE of the mag 12.5 star] is the 15th magnitude "star" N159-5, known as the LMC "Papillon Nebula". This very compact object is classified as a Young Stellar Object (YSO) and High Excitation Blob (HEB), a rare class of ionized nebulae associated with massive star formation. At 397x it appeared faint (15th mag) and quasi-stellar (though difficult to confirm).

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 214x and UHC filter, NGC 2083 appeared as a bright, large, slightly elongated glow ~1.8' diameter, surrounding a mag 12.5 star (O-class supergiant). A brighter knot is embedded within the glow on the west side (LMC-N159I) on a line with NGC 2078. Removing the filter, the bright central star has a companion at ~7" and several other mag 14 stars are embedded in the periphery of the glow.

NGC 2083 is situated in the northeast section of the curving "S" shaped NGC 2078/79/83/84 complex (LMC-N159 and OB-association LH 105). This complex shares the same field with two additional bright emission regions - NGC 2085/86 4' N and NGC 2077/80 ~5.5' NNW (LMC-N160), and the combined complex forms a superb field of bright HII regions ~35' SSE of the center of the Tarantula Nebula. Although Herschel assigned 4 NGC numbers within LMC-N159, I logged at least 7 different brighter knots (see NGC 2084 for more).

John Herschel discovered NGC 2083 = h2952 (along with numerous other objects in this HII complex) on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "the north following nucleus of the complex group of Plate III, figure 4, from drawing." Herschel's excellent sketch shows a complex object with 7 condensations or nuclei, involved in nebulosity. The four NGC objects in this grouping are NGC 2078, 2079, 2083 and NGC 2084.

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NGC 2084 = LMC-N159C = ESO 057-EN15

05 40 06.9 -69 45 34

V = 11.3; Size 1.2'

25" (10/21/17 - OzSky): NGC 2084 is the second brightest section of the striking Henize N159 complex (NGC 2078/70/83/84) on its SE side and the brightest part of N159C. At 255x + NPB filter, it appeared very bright, fairly large, irregular shape, over 1' diameter (elongated N-S). Unfiltered two stars are involved included a mag 14.0 (O-7 type). Fainter nebulosity extends west for 1' (also part of N159C) with a mag 14.0 O7-type and 14.5 O8-type stars involved unfiltered. The nebulosity curls north on its west side and brightens in a 40" circular patch (N159C-west) that includes two 15th mag stars (unfiltered), one a young stellar object (YSO). Overall, N159C displays a highly irregular curving shape with a patchy surface brightness and includes a half-dozen stars.

N159E, a detached piece ~1.5' S, is a fairly faint to moderately bright patch, irregularly round, 35" diameter, even surface brightness. Unfiltered, a star was seen involved with the nebulosity (ionizing source?). N159G, a slightly brighter detached piece 1.1' ENE of NGC 2084, appeared moderately bright and large, roughly oval, ~45" diameter. Unfiltered, a faint star is centered in N159G.

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): This emission knot was noted while making a careful observation of NGC 2084, which is located within the southeast region of a very bright nebular complex NGC 2078-79-83-8 (LMC-N159), located ~40' SSE of the Tarantula Nebula. At the northeast end of the NGC 2084 region I noted a moderately bright, round knot, ~45" diameter. Without a filter a star is involved with this glow. Although John Herschel didn't catalogued this knot, it's shown on his sketch (Plate III, figure 4). NGC 2084, a brighter knot, is close WSW on a direct line with NGC 2079. NGC 2084 appeared very bright, fairly large, elongated, ~1.2'x1.0'. Removing the filter a couple of stars are involved (with one brighter star).

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): I returned to this detailed nebula the following night to make a complete observation at 200x using a UHC filter. NGC 2084 forms the SE region of the complex and it's composed of several nearby components. At the NE end of this extended region is a moderately bright, round knot, ~45" diameter (N159G). Without a filter a star is involved with N159G (sketched by John Herschel but not catalogued). A second, brighter embedded "glow" is close WSW on a direct line with NGC 2079. This knot corresponds with John Herschel's position for NGC 2084 and is catalogued as N159C-east. It appeared very bright, fairly large, elongated, ~1.2'x1.0'. Removing the filter a couple of stars are involved (with one brighter star). Finally, N159C-west (also sketched by Herschel but not cataloged) lies 1.5' W of N159C-east in the center of the entire complex and is connected to N159C-west by a faint bridge of nebulosity. N159C-west appeared fairly bright, moderately large, round, 45" diameter.

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the SE component of a fascinating 4' HII complex filled with up to 8 distinguishable knots (4 have NGC numbers) with several of the brighter knots forming an "S" shape (this knot is at SE end of the "S"). At 200x and UHC filter it appeared very bright, round, fairly large glow, 1' diameter and encased within fainter nebulous haze that extends to the west. NGC 2083 lies 1.5' NNW within the background glow that envelopes the entire complex.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2084 = h2953 in Dec 1834 and described as "The south following nucleus of the complex group of Plate III fig 4, from drawing." Herschel's sketch shows 7 condensations or nuclei, involved in nebulosity. The four NGC objects in this grouping are NGC 2078, 2079, 2083 and NGC 2084. The complex was discovered earlier by James Dunlop on 24 Sep 1826 and D 149 was recorded as "a faint round nebula, about 1' diameter". His description could apply to NGC 2084 or one of the others in the nebulous group. His position is ~5' too far east.

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NGC 2085 = LMC-N160B = ESO 057-EN16

05 40 09.3 -69 40 23

V = 12.1; Size 0.7'

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this HII knot is part of an amazing field of nebulous glows located ~35' SSE of the Tarantula Nebula. At 200x using a UHC filter, NGC 2085 appears bright, fairly small, ~25" diameter. A mag 10.0 star (supergiant HDE 269953) is just off the NE end (23" from the center). NGC 2085 forms a close pair with NGC 2086 = IC 2145, a similar knot just 1.2' E. Both of these knots are immersed in small, much fainter nebulous halos but the bright star itself does not appear to be involved. Viewing with the filter, the field is divided up into three main groups with NGC 2085 and 2086 forming a close E-W pair separated by a mag 10 star. NGC 2080 (brightest section in the LMC-N159/160 complex) and NGC 2077 lies ~2.5' NW and an impressive cluster of nebulous knots (NGC 2078, 2079, 2083 and 84) is roughly 6' SSW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2085 = h2954 on 23 Dec 1834 and reported "a very faint, nearly round nebula close to a star 10th mag, not observed in sweeping, but laid down Dec 4, 1873 in the drawing fig 4, Plate III whence its place is derived." The identification is certain based on his sketch.

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NGC 2086 = IC 2145 = LMC-N160C = ESO 057-EN18

05 40 24 -69 40 14

V = 12.0; Size 0.7'

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the eastern component of a close pair of nebulous glows with NGC 2085 just 1.2' W. This pair is part of a fascinating group of numerous emission nebulae (LMC-N160 and LMC-N159) just 35' S of the Tarantula nebula. At 200x with a UHC filter, this knot appears very bright (slightly brighter than NGC 2085), fairly small, round, ~30" diameter. Without a filter, a faint star is near the center. Mag 10 supergiant HD 269953 (misidentified as NGC 2086 in the ESO catalogue), which is nearly attached to the NE side of NGC 2085, lies 1' W.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2086 = h2956 in Dec 1834 and recorded "B, pS, R, lbM, follows a star 10m with other S stars about it. Not observed in sweeping, but laid down in the drawing of Dec 4, 1837, whence its place is derived from the drawing fig 4, Pl III . JH's position and sketch clearly shows that NGC 2086 follows the mag 10 star and corresponds with a nebulous patch 12 seconds of RA following the bright star.

Williamina Fleming independently found this nebula again on an objective prism plate taken in 1901 at Arequipa. Dreyer recatalogued Fleming 92 as IC 2145. ESO, Harold Corwin and Mati Morel misidentified NGC 2086 with the mag 10 star. After Corwin was notified he corrected his identification of NGC 2086.

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NGC 2087 = ESO 159-026 = PGC 17684

05 44 16.2 -55 31 57

V = 13.8; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 136d

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 184x): fairly faint, slightly elongated, 30"x25", weak concentration. Mag 7.5 HD 38873 is 11' ESE, mag 7.5 HD 38683 is 10' S, and unequal double HJ 3802 (8.4/10.7 at 8") is 14' SE, the trio forming a striking right triangle of stars.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2087 = h2946 on 6 Dec 1834 and noted "eF, R, vlbM, 40"." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2088 = ESO 057-SC020 = S-L 652

05 41 00 -68 27 55

V = 12.5; Size 1.7'

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, fairly small, irregular, ~35" diameter. Includes a bright quasi-stellar knot of stars near the center along with an individual star close east and a couple of mag 15-16 stars around the edges. A neat 6' curving stream of stars begins at a mag 11 star 4.5' north and arcs southeast. NGC 2088 is the first in a group of cluster with NGC 2096 7' E, NGC 2094 8.6' NE, NGC 2098 14' NE and NGC 2109 19' ESE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2088 = h2955 on 9 Feb 1836 and recorded "eF; S; R; insulated." His mean position (2 sweeps) of 05 40 56.4 -68 27 54 (2000) was used by Dreyer in the NGC. The declination given in RNGC, NGC 2000 and UGC 2000 (first edition) is exactly 1 degree too far south. This error originated in Shapley and Lindsay's "A Catalogue of Clusters in the Large Magellanic Cloud", Irish Astronomical Journal, v. 6, pp. 74-91, 1963. The declination should have been -68° 29' instead of -69° 29'. The error was noted by Hodge and Wright in their LMC Atlas. The ESO and Kontizas position is correct.

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NGC 2089 = ESO 554-036 = MCG -03-15-016 = PGC 17860

05 47 51.4 -17 36 08

V = 11.9; Size 1.9'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 39d

17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, bright core, stellar nucleus. Collinear with a mag 11 star 1.6' SSE and a mag 12 star 2.8' SSE of center.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2089 = H III-270 on 6 Feb 1785 (sweep 367) and recorded "a very faint extremely small stellar nebula; 240 verified it with difficulty, and considerable attention, the night being uncommonly clear." JH did not make an observation but the NGC position matches ESO 554-036 = PGC 17860. Auwers reduced RA is 1 hr too large.

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NGC 2090 = ESO 363-023 = MCG -06-13-009 = PGC 17819

05 47 01.8 -34 15 02

V = 11.2; Size 4.9'x2.4'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 13d

13.1" (2/25/84): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 ~N-S, 2.5'x0.8'. A mag 13.5 star is at the north tip 1.5' from center, a mag 14 star is at the west edge, 40" from center and another 14th mag star is 1.2' SE.

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2090 = D 594 = h2944 on 29 Oct 1826 and described "a small faint nebula, with a ray shooting out on the north side." Dunlop observed this galaxy once and his position is 3' too far SSW. The "ray" he mentions probably consists of 3 mag 13-14 stars. JH recorded the galaxy twice, on 8 Jan 1836 recording a "globular cluster, B; R; with an appendage to northward; 2.5' diameter." The following night he described it as "B, irreg R, gbM; 3' long; 2' broad with stars appended. This RA to be preferred". Herschel called this galaxy a globular in the GC and Dreyer copied that classification in the NGC description.

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NGC 2091 = ESO 057-SC021 = S-L 653

05 40 57.7 -69 26 11

V = 12.0; Size 1.0'

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): I accidentally picked up this cluster while examining the beautiful star cloud/nebula NGC 2081 to the NW. A bright E-W ribbon is on the south side of NGC 2081 with its vertex (brighter and larger end of the streamer) closest to NGC 2074 (to the SW) and extending towards the east. Just beyond the east end of this ribbon I picked up this elongated glow that appeared collinear with the streamer. At 214x without a filter, the 35"x25" knot partially resolved into a number of fainter stars.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2091 = h2957 in 1834-1835 (exact sweep or date unknown as based on a detailed sketch of the Tarantula Nebula (NGC 2070) region made over several nights in Nov 1834 and Dec 1835) and recorded as "vF; S; mE; glbM; 1' l; perhaps a vF double neb. See Catalogue of the Nubecula Major." Since no sweep is given in his LMC catalogue, the discovery date is unknown. His position is ~1' SSW of this cluster.

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NGC 2092 = ESO 057-SC022

05 41 22.0 -69 13 27

V = 12.2; Size 1.2'

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very faint round knot, ~40" diameter with a brighter core. Located 4' W of NGC 2100 and 17' SE of the center of the Tarantula.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2092 = h2962 in 1834-1835 (exact sweep or date unknown as based on a detailed sketch of the Tarantula Nebula (NGC 2070) region made over several nights in Nov 1834 and Dec 1835) and recorded a "cluster class 6. vF, R, 60", partially resolved. See Catalogue of the Nubecula Major". The CGH position (based on the sketch) is 1.3' east of this cluster (and just west of NGC 2100).

Eric Lindsay, in the 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (IAJ, 6, 286-289), notes "This may be the star-rich region just W of NGC 2100. Position deduced by Herschel from a drawing and not made in a sweep. Listed as N[ebula] in Nubec. Cat and Cl in general Cat. Description does not agree with anything here."

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NGC 2093 = ESO 057-SC023 = S-L 657 = LH 109

05 41 50 -68 55 18

V = 11.6; Size 1.5'

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 184x): this stellar association (LH 109) is located just 20' NE of the center of the Tarantula Nebula and less than 1' SSE of a mag 7.2 star (HD 38617). It appeared as a fairly bright, fairly large mottled glow, roughly 1.7' in diameter. A mag 11.7 star is at the west edge. Several faint stars are resolved around the edges, including ones at the north, northeast and south side. A mag 9.4 star (HD 38654) is 3' NW and a mag 9.4 star (HD 269975) is 6' WSW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2093 = h2963 on on 30 Dec 1836 and recorded "vF, S, R. This nebula forms an appendage to the skirts of the great looped nebula 30 Doradus, which hang down in visible fringes from the upper (southern) part of the field." His position is accurate. Herschel gave a possible equivalence with D 184, which James Dunlop discovered in 1826 and described as "a very small round nebula, about 8" diameter." Dunlop's position is 9' due west of the cluster.

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NGC 2094 = KMHK 1251

05 42 07.4 -68 21 47

V = 12.8; Size 0.4'

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, small, high surface brightness, 20" diameter. Two close stars are resolved at the north edge. Mag 9.6 HD 270036 is 4.6' SE. Several clusters are nearby including NGC 2098 5.8' NNE, NGC 2096 5.8' S and NGC 2088 8.7' SW

John Herschel discovered NGC 2094 = h2959 on 31 Jan 1835 and noted "vF; S; R; 12"." Herschel made a single observation and his position is an excellent match with KMHK 1251. The Hodge-Wright LMC Atlas misidentifies ESO 57-SC26 as NGC 2094. This cluster is situated 33' south (and just following NGC 2093). ESO and NED followed this misidentification. Archinal and Hynes correctly identify NGC 2094 = KMHK 1251.

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NGC 2095 = ESO 086-SC024 = S-L 669 = LH 112

05 42 51 -67 19 18

V = 13.1; Size 3.0'x1.5'

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): Although Herschel described a large "oblong cluster", the brightest subgroup is at the east end (S-L 669). It appeared as a bright, moderately large patch, irregular, 1' diameter, with several mag 13.5-14 stars resolved around the edges. A separate patch lies 1.3' W with a mag 11 star 2.2' W. A group of stars (KMHK 1253) is 1' NW of the brighter star. The entire collection forms the stellar association LH 112, a 3'x1.5' group of resolved stars highlighted by S-L 669. Located 8' NE of mag 7.0 HD 38616.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2095 = h2961 on 20 Dec 1835 and described "a star 9m, chief of a F irreg oblong cluster 3' in extent." His position, measured on 3 sweeps, is fairly accurate.

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NGC 2096 = ESO 057-SC027 = S-L 664

05 42 18 -68 27 30

V = 11.4; Size 1.2'

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): bright, compact LMC cluster, ~25". A close double star is resolved at the center, along with two other bright mag 13 stars and a couple of additional mag 15+ stars. A mag 11.8 star is off the west side [40" from center]. Mag 9.6 HD 270036 lies 3.5' NE. Nearby is NGC 2088 7' W, NGC 2094 6' N and NGC 2098 11' NNE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2096 = h(725) between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and listed it as#725 in his preliminary catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major." His position is 1.7' too far south.

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NGC 2097 = ESO 086-SC028 = S-L 682

05 44 16 -62 47 06

V = 13.7; Size 1.8'

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x and 394x; fairly faint , moderately large, 45" glow with a mag 14 star involved on the south side. The slightly brighter core of the cluster is very close northeast of the star, but the cluster was unresolved. The field includes a mag 13 star 2' SSE, two mag 11/12.5 stars 3.5' ENE and a group of mag 13-15 stars ~3' NW. Located 17.5' NE of mag 6.9 HD 38511.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2097 = h2960 on 26 Dec 1834 and described as "F, irregularly round, psbM, sf a small group." On a second sweep he called it "eF, S, R; has a star 16th mag in centre." His last observation was recorded as "pF, R, pslbM, 50"." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2098 = ESO 057-SC028 = S-L 667

05 42 30 -68 16 30

V = 10.7; Size 1.6'

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): extremely bright LMC cluster, ~1' diameter. Contains a very bright, nebulous core. The halo is largely resolved and includes two or three bright stars; a mag 13 star is at the east edge, a mag 13-13.5 star is at the north edge and a mag 13.5 star is at the south edge. In addition another 10 stars are resolved in the cluster. Several clusters are to the south: NGC 2094 5.8' SSW, NGC 2096 11' S, NGC 2088 14' SW as well as S-L 666 6' NNW. The S-L cluster surrounds a mag 13 star and a half-dozen mag 15/16 stars are resolved in a 40" halo.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2098 = h2965 on 31 Jan 1835 and recorded "B; S clustering group or globular cluster; 30", stars visible." On a second sweep he logged it as "a small close knot or cluster, 40"." JH gave a very uncertain (??) equivalence with D 185. Dunlop's description reads "a small faint round nebula, preceding a minute double star of the 12th magnitude. Another similar nebula follows, about 20" in RA, and 2' south in a line with the double star." His position is nearly 13' due E of this cluster, though there is no "similar nebula" that follows, so this identification is very suspect.

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NGC 2099 = M37 = Cr 75

05 52 19 +32 33 12

V = 5.6; Size 24'

8": very large, very rich cluster, over 150 stars, rich in mag 10-13 stars. A reddish star, HD 39183, is near the center. Best of the three bright Messier open clusters in Auriga and one of the top open clusters in the sky.

Giovanni Hodierna discovered M37 = NGC 2099 = h369 in 1654. Charles Messier independently discovered the cluster on 2 Sept 1764 and reported a "cluster of small stars, not far from the preceding [M36], on the parallel of Chi Aurigae; the stars are very small, very crowded and containing nebulosity; it is difficult to see the stars with an ordinary telescope of 3 feet and a half." On 4 Nov 1782, WH recorded "Is an astonishing number of small stars with 227; they are almost all of the 2ndor 3rd class. I see no kind of nebulosity in the spot. With 460 the whole is resolvable into stars without nebulosity."

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NGC 2100 = ESO 057-SC025 = S-L 662 = LH 111

05 42 08.0 -69 12 44

V = 9.6; Size 2'

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this LMC cluster appears as a small, bright (V = 9.6) clump of stars and unresolved haze with a diameter of ~2'. Fairly compact and isolated with at least 10 mag 12 and fainter stars resolved. Located 20' ESE of the core of the Tarantula nebula within the LMC OB-association LH 111. On the DSS, this appears to be a very rich open cluster or globular within a larger association. NGC 2092 ies 4' WSW and NGC 2108 is 10' ENE.

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 2100 = D 154? on 25 Sep 1826 and reported "a pretty bright round or rather elliptical nebula, 25" diameter." His position is 5.6' ESE of the cluster, well within his typical errors. Glen Cozens assigns D 151 to NGC 2100. Dunlop described this entry as "a faint ill-defined small nebula" and the position is just 2.5' NW of the cluster. Finally, JH also suggest that D 147 might be an equivalence. This entry is 8.4' WSW of the cluster and the description reads "a pretty bright round or rather oval nebula, 30" diameter." This description is very similar to the one for D 154.

On his first sweep of 3 Nov 1834, JH described NGC 2100 = h2966 as "a bright S cluster of distinct stars (thick haze)." On a second sweep he wrote "the cluster sf the great looped nebula." On a third occasion he called it "globular cluster, irr R, psmbM, 2'." His 4th sweep reads "globular, B, R, 3', all resolved into stars 13..16th mag." His final record states "B, S, m compressed, not mbM; irregular oval, 3', stars distinct 13th mag." He noted it might be equivalent to Dunlop 154, 151? or 154??

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NGC 2101 = ESO 205-001 = PGC 17793

05 46 22.6 -52 05 24

V = 13.7; Size 1.9'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.5; PA = 85d

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x, this disturbed, chaotic galaxy appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. The galaxy is collinear with a string of three mag 10-11 stars to the SW (closest star is 3.6' SW) and mag 14 stars are close south and ESE. Located 22' SSW of NGC 2104.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2101 = h2958 on 9 Jan 1837 and recorded "eF, R, 40", a line of three stars, 10th mag to south, points nearly to it." His position and description is accurate.

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NGC 2102 = ESO 057-SC029 = S-L 665

05 42 21 -69 29 12

V = 11.4; Size 1.0'

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, small, mottled glow, 24" diameter. A half-dozen tightly packed stars are resolved including an easy mag 12.9 star at the south edge. Located 17' E of the excellent NGC 2074 nebulous cluster and 15' SE of showpiece NGC 2081, both of which lie ~20' SSE of the Tarantula Nebula!

John Herschel discovered NGC 2102 between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and recorded it as#730 in his preliminary catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major." His position is 0.9' SSW of this cluster.

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NGC 2103 = LMC-N214C = ESO 57-EN24 = S-L 660 = LH 110

05 41 40 -71 19 56

V = 10.8; Size 3'x2'

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x unfiltered; fairly bright, very large, roundish glow surrounding a central star (12.7-magnitude O2-type Sk -71°51) with a bright quasi-stellar knot at the north edge (0.9' N of the central star). Increasing the magnification to 397x, ~8 total stars are involved with the nebula, which was clearly elongated NNW-SSE (tapering on the SSE end) and brighter along a central spine. The addition of a NPB filter at 244x produced an excellent contrast gain and the nebula appeared very bright with an irregular surface brightness. The small knot at the north edge (a high excitation HII blob or HEB) was prominently visible.

Note: The central "star" was resolved by the HST into a compact cluster of at least 6 components in a 4" region! HEBs are small dense regions, usually "only" 4 to 9 light-years wide, that sometimes form adjacent to or inside giant H II regions and according to Iranian astronomer Heydari-Malayeri, represent "early stages of massive stars (O-type) emerging from their embryonic molecular clouds."

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this LMC cluster and emission nebula appeared as a bright, very large oval glow, ~3'x2'. Excellent response to a UHC filter at 200x and with this combination the nebulosity has a very high surface brightness. Five stars down to 15th magnitude are involved unfiltered with mag 12.7-magnitude Sk -71°51, an unusually hot and intrinsically bright star (O2-class), at the center. The cluster is the O-association LH 110.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2103 = h2968 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "pB; L; pmE; glbM; has a *13m in the middle." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2104 = ESO 205-002 = PGC 17822

05 47 04.7 -51 33 11

V = 12.7; Size 2.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 160d

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x appears very faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, low even surface brightness, 1.3'x0.8'. A mag 12 star lies 5' SW. Easy to locate 29' S of mag 3.9 Beta Pictoris. NGC 2101 lies 22' SSW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2104 = h2964 on 27 Dec 1834 and recorded "pB, R, vlbM, 30"." His position matches ESO 205-002 = PGC 17822.

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NGC 2105 = ESO 086-SC029 = S-L 687

05 44 19.8 -66 55 02

V = 12.2; Size 1.7'

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; very bright, large, irregular, mottled, partially resolved, 50"x30" E-W. Slightly brighter stars are at the east and west end, and several additional mag 16 stars are resolved. A mag 11.5 star is 2' SE and cluster H-S 408 was picked up 5.5' SE. It appeared as a moderately to fairly bright glow, elongated NW-SE, 0.6'x0.2', mottled but unresolved. The mag 11.5 star is roughly midway between H-S 408 and NGC 2105. The HII complex LHa 120-N74 lies 15' SSE (western part) and 20' SE (eastern part).

LHa 120-N74 (west): at 152x + NPB filter; excellent HII region! Bright, very large, elongated E-W, very irregular shape, ~7'x4', the main section tapers on the eastern end and spreads out on the western end. Numerous mag 14 stars are involved as well as mag 10.2 HD 270111 on the south side. LHa 120-N74 (East) lies ~9' ESE, with the two regions spanning nearly 15' E-W.

LHa 120-N74 (east): at 152x + NPB filter; bright, very large nebulous region. The main piece is oval 3:2 E-W, ~2'x1.4' and brighter along the rim. A filament is attached on the south side extending to the southeast! Unfiltered a number of stars are involved with the nebulosity. A mag 11.2 star is roughly 3' S. LHa 120-N74 W is ~9' W. Although this is very likely part of the same complex, the two sections did not appear connected.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2105 = h2969 on 2 Jan 1837 and logged "vF; R; 30". The obs in RA is marked as uncertain." On the very next night he observed the cluster again and reported "F; R; gbM; 80". His (mean) position matches ESO 86-SC29. The RNGC and NGC 2000.0 declination is 30' too far north. This positional error originated from a misprint in the Shapley-Lindsay catalogues for S-L 687 = NGC 2105.

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NGC 2106 = ESO 555-003 = MCG -04-14-040 = PGC 17975

05 50 46.6 -21 34 01

V = 12.1; Size 2.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 100d

17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, small, oval, bright core. A mag 13 star is 1.6' N and a mag 13.5 star lies 2.5' ESE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2106 = h2967 on 21 Nov 1835 and recorded "vF; S; R or lE; gbM; 15"." His position matches ESO 555-003 = PGC 17975.

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NGC 2107 = ESO 057-SC32 = S-L 679

05 43 12.5 -70 38 28

V = 11.5; Size 2.1'

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; very bright, large, round, 1' diameter. Contains a very large bright core with only a thin fainter halo, slightly mottled appearance but no clear resolution. Two mag 12 and 13 stars are 3' and 4' WSW and two mag 12.5 and 13 star lie 3.5' and 4' WNW.

NGC 2107 is surrounded by several small clusters (these were all picked up just examining the field): S-L 691 and S-L 692, a close pair of open clusters, is 5' ESE, S-L 676 is 4' N, S-L 684 is 5' NNE and H-S 398 is 9' NNW.

S-L 676: moderately bright and large, round, 35" diameter, smooth glow with no resolution. S-L 684 is 2.4' ENE.

S-L 684: fairly faint to moderately bright, smooth glow, 25" diameter, roundish, no resolution.

S-L 691: faint or fairly faint, small, round, glow, 25" diameter. S-L 691 is the northern of close pair of LMC clusters with S-L 692 just 48" S.

S-L 692: fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated glow, 35" diameter, no resolution.

H-S 398: moderately bright, fairly small, round, soft glow, no resolution.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2107 = h2971 on 9 Feb 1836 and described as "F; R; gvlbM; 60"." On a second sweep he recorded "B; R; gmbM; 40"." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2108 = ESO 057-SC033 = S-L 686

05 43 56.8 -69 10 50

V = 12.3; Size 1.8'

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): picked up while viewing NGC 2100 located 10' WSW. At 171x it appeared as a fairly faint knot, ~1 diameter with no resolution. Located 5' NE of a mag 10 star.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2108 = h2970 on 16 Dec 1835 and described as "eF; pL; 1E." His position is accurate. Herschel gave an uncertain (??) equivalence with D 153, which James Dunlop described as "a faint small round nebula, 15" diameter." His position is 7.4' NW of the cluster, so this identification is within his typical errors, though the Glen Cozens doesn't make this equivalence.

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NGC 2109 = ESO 057-SC034 = S-L 688

05 44 23 -68 32 54

V = 12.2; Size 1.6'

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 394x; very bright, large, high surface brightness glow with a thin halo, mottled but too dense to resolve the main 40" glow. A couple of mag 16 stars are visible around the edges of the 1' halo. A mag 9 star is 7' SW. NGC 2096 lies 13' WNW and NGC 2116 is 16' ENE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2109 = h2972 on 23 Nov 1834 and recorded "pF; pL; R; vglbM; 80"." On a second sweep he recorded "F; S; R; gbM; 20"." Finally, on his last observation he noted "pF; pL; R; vgvlbM; 35"." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2110 = MCG -01-15-004 = PGC 18030

05 52 11.4 -07 27 21

V = 12.4; Size 1.7'x1.3'; PA = 160d

17.5" (1/23/93): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 N-S, evenly increases to bright middle and small bright core with a stellar nucleus. Located in a rich star field 6' SSW of mag 8.9 SAO 132606. Mag 5.4 55 Orionis lies 12' WSW. Appears brighter than 14p. Incorrect declination in the RNGC 10' too far north.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2110 = H III-448 = H III-450 = h370 (equivalence noted by Albert Marth in AN 995) on 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 458) and recorded III-450 as "eF, vS, 240 confirmed it." His summary description from three observations reads "vF, S, R, resolvable, lbM." He also found it on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 529) and logged "eF, E, er. Is probably a patch." Because of the differing descriptions, WH assumed it was new, and catalogued it again as III-510. JH called this galaxy "vF; R; psbM." and combined the two H-designations in the GC. The declination given in the RNGC is 10' too far north.

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NGC 2111 = ESO 057-SC035 = S-L 699

05 44 33 -70 59 36

V = 12.4; Size 1.5'

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): moderately bright, fairly large cluster, irregular outline, 45" diameter. The brighter core is elongated E-W and mottled with a couple of stars occasionally resolved. A few mag 15+ stars are also visible around the edges. Mag 9.2 HD 39133 is 5' SW. Located near the southeast end of the LMC.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2111 = h2973 on 9 Feb 1836 and described as "vF; S; R; gbM". On a second sweep he estimated the size as 40". His position is accurate.

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NGC 2112 = Cr 76 = OCL-509 = Lund 1122

05 53 46 +00 24 36

V = 8.4; Size 11'

17.5" (2/8/91): three dozen stars over unresolved haze, roughly 10' diameter. The brightest star (mag 10) is at NW edge. Includes a string of five mag 12-13 stars on the north side but most stars are very faint. This cluster is fairly rich but not dense. Barnard's Loop passes just west of the cluster heading south and NE where it is brightest!

8" (1/1/84): 12 faint stars mag 12/13 in cluster. Also includes one bright mag 10 star at NW edge.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2112 = H VII-24 = h371 on 1 Jan 1786 (sweep 506) and recorded "a cluster of pretty compressed pS scattered stars." The summary description (including a 2nd observation) in his PT catalogue and "with many eS suspected between them. 7' or 8' diameter." JH recorded "the 2nd and brightest star of a poor straggling cl 10 or 12' long."

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NGC 2113 = LMC-N168 = ESO 057-EN36

05 45 25 -69 46 30

V = 12.3; Size 2.0'

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): bright, fairly large elongated glow, knotty, 1' diameter. This nebulous cluster has an unusual structure; a small bright elongated knot is on the east end (N168A) and a second small, fairly bright, elongated knot is adjacent on the west side (N168B). Strong response to an NPB filter and a much larger nebulous hazy glow extends to the west, increasing the size to 1.5'. The high surface brightness elongated pieces lie on the east end. Located 30' E of the NGC 2078/79/83/84 complex.

Emission nebula LHa 120-N163 lies 12' W and appeared as a bright, large, irregular glow, ~3' diameter. Several stars are involved with the nebulosity, including a mag 13 star on the north side and a couple of additional mag 13.5 stars (H-S 400). Excellent response to the NPB filter at 152x and 303x. The glow is clearly brighter in an arc (opening towards the northwest) on the southeast end.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2113 = h2975 on 3 Nov 1834 and recorded (first of 5 observations) "F (?) L, R; thick haze." The next observation was recorded as "a pB cluster nebula 90"." On a third occasion he noted "F cluster, irreg fig; gbM; 2'; resolved." The fourth observation was recorded as "F, irreg fig; resolvable; one star seen; 90"." The final observation was recorded as "irregular oval cluster; vF; 2' diameter; vl compressed to the middle; almost nebulous. Stars = 16th mag." JH noted the equivalence with Dunlop 155, although it is not given by Steinicke.

James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 2113 = D 155? in 1826 and described "a very faint elliptical nebula, about 50" diameter, slightly bright to the center." His position is 6' SW of this cluster and the description is a reasonable match. But Wolfgang Steinicke and Glen Cozens equate D 156 with NGC 2113. The position for D 156 is 11' SE of this nebulous cluster.

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NGC 2114 = ESO 057-SC037 = S-L 706

05 46 12 -68 02 54

V = 12.5; Size 1.0'

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x and 394x; this fairly faint to moderately bright LMC cluster is elongated SW to NE, ~1' diameter. A mag 14 star is at the southwest edge and another is near the north edge, 30" from center. In addition, a couple of individual stars are within the main body of the cluster. A mag 11.3 is 1.4' ESE of the cluster, mag 10 HD 270109 is 4.5' NW and mag 7.5 HD 38942 is 15' WSW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2114 = h2974 on 30 Jan 1835 and described as "eF; pL; irreg R." His position (single sweep) is accurate.

James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 2114 = D 186? on 27 Sep 1826 and recorded "a very small faint nebula". His position is 14' SE of the cluster. Wolfgang Steinicke equates D 187 with NGC 2114. His position for this entry is 19' SE of the cluster.

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NGC 2115 = ESO 205-G006 = PGC 18001

05 51 19.8 -50 34 58

V = 13.1; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 50d

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 184x): fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter, occasional faint stellar nucleus. Located just north of a bright asterism of a half-dozen stars; mag 9.0 HD 39625 is 5' SW, mag 9 HD 39606 8.6' SSW, mag 10 star 3.5' SE, mag 11/12/11 triple at 5"/24" is 3' S. Located 49' NE of mag 3.8 Beta Pictoris. A faint companion (NGC 2115A) off the south side was not seen.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2115 = h2976 on 4 Jan 1837. His position and description ("eeF; vS; nf a triangle of stars 10m which form part of a bright group") matches ESO 205-006 (double system). Classified as an "Unverified southern object" in the RNGC.

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NGC 2116 = ESO 057-SC038 = S-L 715

05 47 15 -68 30 30

V = 12.9; Size 1.0'

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, fairly small, roundish glow, 0.6' diameter, very mottled and lively with a number of extremely faint mag 16+ stars popping in and out of view. Located 2.2' ESE of a mag 11 star. NGC 2109 lies 16' WSW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2116 = h2977 on 30 Dec 1836 and reported "F; S; R. A star 11m precedes." His position from this single sweep is accurate.

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NGC 2117 = ESO 086-SC033 = S-L 718

05 47 46 -67 27 00

V = 11.6; Size 1.3'

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): bright, moderately large, irregular shape, 1' diameter. A mag 13.3 star is at the west edge, a mag 14 star is on the northeast side and a mag 14.8 star is at the southeast end. The central region is very mottled and lively with 8 additional mag 15+ stars resolving. Mag 9 HD 39371 lies 6' WNW. LHa 120-N74, a huge HII complex with two sections lies 20'-25' NNW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2117 = h2978 on 23 Nov 1834 and recorded (first of 5 sweeps) "pB, S, resolved." On a second sweep he recorded "pB, E; resolved. I see the stars in it; 2' long." On his third sweep he logged "pF, irregularly round, 40 or 50", vlbM."

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NGC 2118 = ESO 057-SC039 = S-L 717

05 47 40 -69 07 54

V = 12.0; Size 1.3'

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; very bright, moderately large, round, 40" diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright core, unresolved.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2118 = h2979 on 16 Dec 1835 and described a "globular; vsmbM; 15"." On a second sweep he recorded "a vS, B knot, probably 6 or 8 vS stars wedged into a close group." His position matches this cluster.

James Dunlop perhaps discovered NGC 2118 = D 157? earlier on 25 Sep 1826 and recorded "a small round nebula, 8" or 10" diameter. This is the preceding of three nebulae forming a triangle." His position from a single observation is 8' NE, well within his typical errors, though there is no sign of his other two nebulae anywhere nearby.

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NGC 2119 = UGC 3380 = PGC 18136

05 57 26.9 +11 56 56

V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 145d

17.5" (12/19/87): faint, very small, bright core, elongated 3:2 NW-SE in a rich star field. A mag 11 star is 2' NE. Located just 6 degrees from the galactic equator.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2119 = St X-19 on 9 Jan 1880. His position matches UGC 3380 = PGC 18136, though the UGC does not identify this number as N2119.

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NGC 2120 = ESO 086-SC034 = S-L 742

05 50 35 -63 40 30

V = 12.7; Size 2.0'

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x and 394x; moderately bright and large, round, contains a large slightly brighter core, fairly smooth, ~50" diameter. A mag 15 star is off the southwest side, 0.9' from center, and a few extremely faint stars sparkle around the edges. Located 5.7' S of mag 8.8 HD 39842.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2120 = h2980 on 30 Nov 1834 and described as "vF; pL; R; glbM; 80"." His position (measured on 2 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 2121 = ESO 057-SC040 = S-L 725

05 48 12 -71 28 54

V = 12.4; Size 2.3'x1.5'

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; bright, very large, slightly elongated ~N-S, 2.0'x1.6', only a broad weak concentration. Fairly smooth appearance with only a slight granularity. A couple of mag 15.5-16 are resolved around the edges. Mag 9.9 HD 39626 is 6' WSW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2121 = h2982 on 9 Feb 1836 and described as "vF; vglbM; 3'." His position from one sweep is accurate.

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NGC 2122 = LMC-N180B = ESO 057-EN41 = S-L 731 = LH 117

05 48 53 -70 04 12

V = 10.4; Size 4.5'

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): Superb HII region and cluster! Unfiltered, at least 3 dozen stars are resolved in a 4' region including several fairly bright mag 12 stars. The brightest mag 12.2 star HD 270145 at the center is a supermassive O6-class (binary). The NPB filter provided an excellent contrast gain at 152x! With the filter, the nebulosity (N180B) was very bright and large, round, ~4.5' diameter, brighter on the southwest end and overall displayed an irregular surface brightness with some darker areas. A bright, small detached knot (N180A), just south of 3 stars, is just off the southwest side [~2.5' from center]. NGC 2122 is part of association LH 117 and contains several early O-type stars..

Open cluster S-L 740 is 10' SSE and S-L 769 is 23' due east. At 394x; S-L 769 appeared large, round, smooth moderate surface brightness, nearly 1' diameter. A mag 13 star is attached at the east end.

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2122 = D 106 on 3 Aug 1826 with his 9" reflector and recorded "A faint elliptical nebula, about 2' diameter; slightly condensed to the centre." He made 2 observations and his position is just 3' NE of center.

JH observed this cluster/nebula on 5 sweeps (h1319). On his first observation from 24 Nov 1834 he logged "B, L nebula, 6' l, 5' br; resolved, in part; chief star 11th mag taken." On a second sweep he called it "pB, L, irregularly round, glbM, 3', resolved into stars 15th mag." On his 4th sweep he noted "cluster, irregular figure, consists of 3 or 4 disjoined clusters, the middle one the largest and brightest; of 3 or 4 large stars and nebulosity; chief star taken."

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NGC 2123 = ESO 086-SC036 = S-L 755

05 51 43.5 -65 19 18

V = 12.6; Size 1.2'

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter. This LMC cluster is located 50' NE of mag 4.3 Delta Doradus. In the 105x field it is 8' SE of mag 8.0 SAO 249373 and is collinear with two mag 10.5-11.5 stars 5' and 10' NE, respectively. DSFG notes this is a "relatively bright and compact group".

John Herschel discovered NGC 2123 = h2983 on 30 Nov 1834 and described as "pB; vS; R; vglbM; 12"." His position (measured on 3 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 2124 = ESO 555-016 = MCG -03-16-003 = PGC 18147

05 57 52.2 -20 05 05

V = 12.6; Size 2.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 2d

17.5" (12/3/88): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, broadly concentrated halo. A mag 15 star is at the south edge. Located in a rich star field.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2124 = H III-225 on 20 Oct 1784 (sweep 304) and noted "eF, E, resolvable, near 1' long. Verified 240 power." Auwer's reduction places his position is 2.4' NW of ESO 555-016 = PGC 18147. Herbert Howe, observing with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlain Observatory, commented "F,S; not eeF as in WH's description".

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NGC 2125 = ESO 057-SC044 = S-L 750

05 50 54 -69 28 48

Size 1.0'

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly faint to moderately bright glow, elongated NW-SE, 35" diameter. A mag 14.7 star (~5" double with a mag 16 star) is at the northeast end, a mag 15.7 star is at the southwest tip and a mag 16 star is at the northwest edge. NGC 2127 lies 7.5' NNE and the double cluster NGC 2136/2137 is 11' E.

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): fairly faint, fairly small, 30" diameter, unconcentrated. A couple of very faint stars are resolved as well as a mag 14.5-15 star on the northeast edge. Faintest of 3 clusters with NGC 2127 7.5' NE and NGC 2136/2137 11' ESE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2125 = h2985 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "vF; R; 50"; gbM." His position (single sweep) is 1' too far south.

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NGC 2126 = Cr 78 = Mel 39 = OCL-418

06 02 31 +49 52 00

Size 6'

13.1" (2/25/84): 25-30 stars mag 12-14.5, fairly dense, small, pretty cluster. The cluster is dominated by mag 6.1 SAO 40801 which lies on the NE side of the cluster.

8" (1/1/84): 20 stars mag 12-13.5. Located close SW of a mag 6 star, appears rich with averted vision.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2126 = H VIII-68 on 12 Nov 1787 (sweep 781) and recorded "a small cluster of scattered stars, not rich, one 7th mag towards the northern side, but it does not seem to be connected with the cluster." His position is very close to mag 6 HD 40626, although this is at the northeast side of the cluster and is probably not related.

Ling notes that position of this cluster should be 06h 02.6m +49d 52' according to Megastar position.

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NGC 2127 = ESO 057-SC045 = S-L 751

05 51 22 -69 21 39

V = 11.6; Size 1.2'

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): very bright, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 30" diameter, high surface brightness, stellar nucleus. No resolution except for mag 14.5 star at the south tip and a mag 15.5 star at the west edge. NGC 2125 is 7.5' SSW and NGC 2136 is 12' SE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2127 = h2986 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "B, S, R, 15"." His position (measured on 3 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 2128 = UGC 3392 = MCG +10-09-010 = CGCG 284-006 = PGC 18374

06 04 34.2 +57 37 40

V = 12.6; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 60d

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, small, oval 3:2 SW-NE, bright core, stellar nucleus.

Edward Swift, Lewis' 15 year-old son, discovered NGC 2128 = Sw VI-25 on 27 Dec 1886. There is nothing near the published position but exactly 30' south is UGC 3392. The description "vF; vS; vlE" is appropriate (though not adding anything) and it seems very possible that Lewis made a 30' error in reading the dec circle. Due to the difference in dec, Bigourdan was unable to find NGC 2128. Harold Corwin concurs with this conclusion.

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NGC 2129 = Cr 77 = OCL-467 = Lund 293

06 01 07 +23 19 24

V = 6.7; Size 7'

17.5" (12/20/95): bright, fairly rich group surrounding two mag 7.5 and 8 stars (SAO 77842 and 77839) oriented N-S. There are about three dozen stars mag 10-14 in an 5' well-detached circular group with several double stars including a faint pair preceding the northern mag 8 star. The southern mag 8 star has a couple of very faint companions.

This group is apparently an asterism based on a 1994 study.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2129 = H VIII-26 = h372 on 16 Nov 1784 (sweep 317) and described "A Cl of st of various magnitudes, not very rich, 6 or 7' diam." JH recorded "about 40 or 50 st. The brightest 8m taken. The rest are 10...15m." The center (as defined as the midpoint of the two mag 7.5-8 stars) is 06 01 07 +23 19.4 (J2000).

By analyzing William Herschel's early "reviews" of bright stars (before his systematic sweeps), which resulted in the discovery of many double stars, Wolfgang Steinicke recently found (email Oct '16) that Herschel first discovered the cluster on 6 Feb 1782 using his 6.2" reflector.

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NGC 2130 = ESO 086-SC037 = S-L 758

05 52 24 -67 20 06

V = 12.1; Size 1.2'

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x and 394x; bright, small, round, high surface brightness, 35" diameter. Four or five mag 14.5-15 stars are resolved in the halo on the NW, SW and E sides. NGC 2135 lies 9' SE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2130 = h2987 on 2 Nov 1834 and the cluster was observed on 7 sweeps! His descriptions for this cluster range from "faint" to "pretty bright" with sizes ranging from 18" to 45".

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NGC 2131 = ESO 488-050 = PGC 18172

05 58 47.4 -26 39 10

V = 14.1; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 118d

17.5" (12/8/90): very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is in contact on the north end. A possible companion is about 4' NW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2131 = h2984 on 20 Jan 1835 and recorded "eF; S; R; has a *13 m in centre." His position matches ESO 488-050 = PGC 18172.

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NGC 2132 = ESO 120-?022

05 55 58 -59 55 42

Size 17'x11'

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 184x): 20 stars (half-dozen bright ones) in a 10'x3' region, roughly arranged in two east-west strings. This group (asterism or cluster) includes mag 7.9 HD 40484 at the northwest end and four additional mag 10 stars.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2132 = h2988 on 11 Jan 1836 and described the "chief * of a cluster 8th class of about a dozen bright and some smaller stars." His position corresponds with mag 8 SAO 234207 at 05 55 09.0 -59 54 37 (J2000) and his description probably applies to the scattered group following.

Eric Lindsay, in his 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (IAJ, 6, 286-289) notes "Not found. Centered on CPD 59°542. This is supposedly the chief star of a cluster of about a dozen stars. Dreyer has a marginal note "1/2 doz. only". Not in the Nubec. Major Catalogue. No sign here of a cluster." RNGC follows Lindsay as classifies as nonexistent and the number is missing from the ESO catalogue, although it stands out on the DSS.

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NGC 2133 = ESO 057-SC046 = S-L 751

05 51 29 -71 10 30

V = 12.4; Size 1.7'

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): moderately bright and large, round, 45" diameter, relatively large brighter core, unresolved. This cluster is a smaller and paler version of NGC 2134, which lies 5.2' NNE. S-L 747 is 6.5' WNW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2133 = h2989 (along with NGC 2134 = h2991) on 24 Nov 1834 and recorded "pB; pL; R; gbM; 60"." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2134 = ESO 057-SC047 = S-L 760

05 51 57.2 -71 05 52

V = 11.1; Size 2.5'

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): bright, fairly large, round, 1.1' diameter, sharply concentrated with a relatively large bright core. No resolution in the halo except for a mag 14.5 star just off the northeast edge and a mag 15.5 star at the south-southwest edge. NGC 2133 lies 5' SSW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2134 = h2991 (along with NGC 2133 = h2989) on 24 Nov 1834 and recorded it in four sweeps. His first observation reads "B; L; R; gbM; 90"." His mean position is 05 51 57.2 -71 06 27 (2000) which is close to the ESO position of 05 51 56.7 -71 05 50 (2000) but RNGC has an incorrect RA of 05 50.1, which is repeated in NGC 2000.0.

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NGC 2135 = ESO 086-SC039 = S-L 765

05 53 35 -67 25 36

V = 12.1; Size 1.0'

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x and 394x; bright, small, roundish, mottled, high surface brightness, 30" diameter. Unresolved (too compact) except for a mag 14.5 star at the west edge. A mag 11 star is 1.9' WSW. NGC 2130 lies 9' NW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2135 = h2990 on 23 Nov 1834 and recorded it on 5 sweeps. His first observation reads "vF, R, glbM, 1'. Among stars." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2136 = ESO 057-SC048 = S-L 762

05 52 59 -69 29 36

V = 10.5; Size 1.9'

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; extremely bright LMC cluster, large, very mottled and lively, relatively large bright core. A mag 13-13.5 star is at the northwest edge and a mag 14 star is at the south edge. Roughly a dozen stars are resolved in total. A mag 10.8 star is 1.5' NNW and a mag 12 star is 1' SSW. Forms a striking double cluster with NGC 2137 1.4' NE (the two clusters form a gravitationally bound binary system). NGC 2125 lies 11' W and NGC 2150 (a galaxy) is 15' ESE.

James Dunlop probably NGC 2136 = D 160 on 24 Sep 1826 and described "a small round pretty well defined nebula." He made 2 observations and his position is 8.6' too far SW (typical error).

JH attributed Dunlop with the discovery and recorded the cluster on 4 sweeps. His first observation of h2992 reads "pB, R, bM, 1'; has a star 10.11th mag N.p. (thick haze)." On his last sweep he noted "Globular cluster, pB, R, gmbM, resolved, stars 14..16 mag; has a vvF neb N.f [NGC 2137]."

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NGC 2137 = ESO 057-SC049 = S-L 764

05 53 13 -69 28 54

V = 12.7; Size 0.8'

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; moderately bright, small, round, 20" diameter, lively, several extremely faint mag 16+ stars resolved. A mag 13 star is 50" NE. NGC 2137 is the fainter and smaller of a striking double cluster with much brighter NGC 2136 just 1.4' SW!

John Herschel discovered NGC 2137 = h2994 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "vF; R; 30"; the following of 2 [with NGC 2136]." His position (2 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 2138 = ESO 086-SC040 = S-L 777

05 54 49 -65 50 06

V = 13.8; Size 1.0'

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 184x): relatively faint, small, round, 25"-30" diameter, slightly brighter core, low surface brightness, no resolution. Four bright field stars lie directly south including mag 7.9 HD 40624 2.9' SSE and mag 8.5 HD 40625 7.5' S, along with a mag 10 companion at ~45".

John Herschel discovered NGC 2138 = h2993 on 30 Nov 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R; has 3 B st pretty distinct towards the south." His position from a single sweep is accurate.

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NGC 2139 = IC 2154 = ESO 488-054 = MCG -04-15-005 = PGC 18258

06 01 07.9 -23 40 25

V = 11.6; Size 2.6'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 140d

17.5" (12/8/90): moderately bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, broad concentration, core appears offset to the northwest of center. A mag 14 star is at the north edge 1.3' from center and a mag 11 star lies 3.5' SSE.

8" (1/1/84): faint, fairly small, round, broad concentration. A mag 11 star is 4' SSE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2139 = H II-264 on 17 Nov 1784 (sweep 322) and called it "F, S."  He added "The RA cannot be above 10 or 15 sec out; the roller went off the apparantus which occasions the uncertainty."  This was the only nebula found in the sweep.

Lewis Swift independently discovered this galaxy from Southern California on 1 Dec 1897 and reported it in discovery list XI-90 (later IC 2154). Swift's position was off by 14 sec in RA and Herbert Howe measured an accurate position (used in the IC). In the 1912 revision of WH's catalogues Dreyer comments that once a correction is made to WH's position (based on another star in the sweep), NGC 2139 matches IC 2154. MCG labels this galaxy as IC 2154 and ignores the NGC designation.  See Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 2140 = ESO 057-SC051 = S-L 773

05 54 16.5 -68 36 05

V = 12.4; Size 1.7'

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright LMC cluster, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 40"x25". A star is located at the WNW tip. Situated between a mag 10.2 star 3.2' NW and a mag 10.1 star (HD 40750) 5.3' SE. NGC 2159 lies 20' E, in a group of 4 NGC clusters with NGC 2155, 2164 and 2172.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2140 = h2995 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "pF; irreg R; psbM." His next observation reads "pF; R; bM; 30"." On his last sweep he wrote "F; lE; gbM."

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NGC 2141 = Cr 79 = OCL-487 = Lund 203

06 02 56 +10 26 48

V = 9.4; Size 10'

17.5" (12/8/90): 20-25 faint stars mag 13-15 at 220x over extensive haze. Located within an incomplete circle of several brighter mag 11-12 stars about 8' diameter.

E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 2141 in Jan 1883 with his 5-inch refractor. His announcement note in Sidereal Messenger, Vol 3, p9 titled "A New and Faint Nebulosity" gives an accurate position and describes a "very faint nebulosity. It lies a little over 3/4° north of Mu Orionis, and requires a low power to be seen at all. With my 5-inch refractor and a power of 30, it is quite distinct; but high powers diffuse it greatly. There is a faint star in its center, and several others on its border, about 2' diameter. I have repeatedly seen this nebula since January 1883."

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NGC 2142 = 3 Mon = SAO 151037

06 01 50.4 -10 35 53

V = 5.0

=* 5.0 = 3 Mon, Corwin. =NF, RNGC.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2142 = h373 on 6 Jan 1831 and recorded "3 Monocerotis. I am sure this star has a F neb atm 2'-3' diam." This is a mag 5 star free from nebulosity. There are other similar cases from Herschel including NGC 771 = 50 Cas, NGC 4530 = Beta CVn and NGC 2542 = h3115 (see comments on NGC 4530). Lord Rosse also recorded on Nov 30 1850: "Same appearance as epsilon Orionis [N1990], but v[ery] m[uch] fainter". In 1868, his son Lawrence also recorded, "appears nebulous..." Corwin notes, however, that on the red POSS1 there is a very faint extended nebulosity surrounding 3 Mon, so perhaps Herschel did pick something up.

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NGC 2143

06 03 07.5 +05 43 42

Size 15'

18" (11/6/04): at 73x this asterism is a large, scattered rectangular group, roughly 10'x6', and elongated N-S. On the west side is a N-S string of stars while the east side is dominated by three brighter mag 9.5-10.5 stars including mag 9.6 HD 41080. Off the two northern vertices of the main rectangle, strings of stars head NW and NE extending the diameter to at least 15'. This scattered group just stands out with 31 Nagler in a fairly rich field and appears to be an asterism. Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2143 = h374 on 2 Feb 1831 and recorded "L, p rich, very scattered; place of *10m in M." His position corresponds with mag 9 SAO 113401 at 06 03 07.5 +05 43 42 (J2000). Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, gives the dimensions as 20'x20' and described "Cl, L, iR, P, sc, st 9.5...". But this group does not appear to be a cluster on the DSS and RNGC classifies it as nonexistent.

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NGC 2144 = ESO 016-010 = PGC 17592

05 40 57.2 -82 07 10

V = 13.0; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 93d

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright and large, slightly elongated ~E-W, 1.4'x1.1'. Contains a bright core that increases to the center. Located between a mag 10 star 6' E and a mag 11 star 6' WNW. This is the third closest NGC galaxy to the south celestial pole.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2144 = h3009 on 17 Jan 1836 and reported "F; irreg R; pslbM; 40 arcsec." His position (measured on 2 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 2145 = ESO 057-SC052 = S-L 780

05 54 23 -70 54 06

V = 12.1; Size 1.7'

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): bright, fairly small, roundish, 40" diameter, well-defined slightly brighter core. A mag 14 star is at the southeast edge and two mag 15.5-16 stars are just off the north and east side. A bright mag 11.7 star is 50" SSW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2145 = h2998 on 12 Nov 1836 and described as "F; lE; resolvable." His position from a single sweep is off by 1.7' in dec (too far south).

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NGC 2146 = "Dusty Hand" Galaxy = UGC 3429 = MCG +13-05-022 = CGCG 348-017 = PGC 18797

06 18 39.0 +78 21 28

V = 10.6; Size 6.0'x3.4'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 123d

48" (10/29/16): at 488x, the "Dusty Hand" galaxy has an unusual, highly disrupted appearance. The very bright core is large and elongated NW-SE with a small, intense nucleus. A prominent, fairly wide dust lane slices through the center with the brightest part of the core roughly parallel on the north side. A small portion of the core is on the south side of the lane. On the southeast side a fairly prominent "arm" or plume (part of a merged companion?) extends generally east beyond a mag 14.5 star 2' ESE of center. The halo is very diffuse to the north of this arm. At the northwest end of the a galaxy a very faint "arm" curls sharply clockwise and with careful viewing a very low surface brightness plume (detached from the central portion) extends south on the west side. On deep images these arms and plumes seem to be a single tidal structure or stream that wraps around the galaxy.

24" (12/28/13): this highly distorted galaxy was observed at 260x. The galaxy appeared very bright, very large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, ~5'x2', with a very asymmetric structure. It contains a very bright, elongated core, ~1.2'x0.5' NW-SE, but with no distinct nucleus. A low contrast dust lane cuts through the core unevenly, with the main section on the north side, so the lane initially appears to run parallel to the core on the southwest side. But a fainter, elongated section of the core extending NW-SE is just beyond the dust lane on the southwest side. To the southeast of the core, the outer halo is diffuse, with a low surface brightness and is not aligned with the major axis of the core, extending more towards the east. On the NW side of the core, the halo has a higher and irregular surface brightness with a slightly brighter curving arc (arm) along its eastern side.

13.1" (1/18/85): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, bright core. A mag 11 double at 30" separation is just off the SE end. A few brighter mag 10-11 stars are 6' E. NGC 2146A lies 19' ENE.

Friedrich August Winnecke discovered NGC 2146 = T 1-18 in 1876 using a 6.5-inch comet seeker at the Strasbourg Observatory. It was independently discovered by Wilhelm Tempel the same year and by Johann Palisa (AN 2732). This is one of 3 galaxies discovered by Winnecke, along with NGC 2276 and NGC 4760.

As there is no candidate for a previous interaction (creating the disrupted appearance and nuclear starburst), it has been proposed that NGC 2146 is a far-evolved merger.

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NGC 2147 = LMC-N75B = ESO 057-SC54 = S-L 784

05 55 46 -68 12 06

V = 12.9; Size 1.0'

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; very bright, small, roundish cluster, 25" diameter. Contains a very small, extremely bright core. Three or four stars are resolved in the small halo on the west side and south side. Located 3.6' NNW of mag 9.9 HD 270358 and 9.5' S of mag 7.6 HD 40810. A shallow arc of 3 mag 13/13.9/14.2 stars lies 2' SE. Just north of these is a small group of resolved mag 15-15.5 stars. The collection is catalogued as S-L 785 and is part of association LH 122. The red DSS shows a thick wreath of faint nebulosity nearly enclosing S-L 785, but I didn't notice it, at least without a filter. NGC 2160 lird 15' ESE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2147 = h2997 on 30 Jan 1835 and logged "vF; R; bM; 30"." On a second sweep he also noted "connected with stars, etc." The "stars" probably refers to S-L 785.

NGC 2147 was possibly discovered by James Dunlop on 27 Sep 1826 with his 9" reflector. He described D 191 as "a pretty bright round nebula, 40" diameter". His position is 12' west of the cluster, a typical error. Also D 190, described as "two very small faint nebulae" is roughly at the same position, so could also apply to this object. Herschel didn't reference these possible earlier discoveries by Dunlop and neither does Glen Cozens.

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NGC 2148 = ESO 120-024 = PGC 18171

05 58 45.8 -59 07 34

V = 13.8; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 150d

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 142x and 184x): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, required averted vision. A mag 12.5 star is 33" E of center and two mag 13 star are within 2' to the south. Observation made in quite hazy conditions through thin clouds or smoke.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2148 = h2996 on 4 Dec 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R; 20"; has a *12m, sf very near." The star is 33" E of center.

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NGC 2149

06 03 30.8 -09 43 50

Size 3'x2'

17.5" (1/19/91): this moderately bright reflection nebula is fairly small and has a 12th magnitude (illuminating) star on the west side. Appears prominent with an OIII filter(?) at 140x.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2149 = St VIIIb-18 on 17 Jan 1877 with the 31" refractor at Marseille Observatory. His position is accurate. NGC 2149 was misclassified as a galaxy in the Shapley-Ames list and misplotted as a galaxy on the Skalnate Pleso Atlas of the Heavens.

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NGC 2150 = ESO 057-055 = PGC 18097

05 55 46.4 -69 33 40

V = 13.0; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 143d

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 or 5:4 NW-SE, 0.7'x0.5', smooth halo then suddenly increases to a bright, very small core. A mag 16.5 star is at the southeast edge. Located 9' SW of mag 8.0 HD 41158 and 15' ESE of the LMC cluster NGC 2136. So, this galaxy easily shines through the thin outer halo of the LMC.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2150 = h3000 on 9 Feb 1836 and recorded "F; vS; R; vsbM; stellar." His position is ~35" south of ESO 057-055 = PGC 18097.

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NGC 2151 = ESO 057-SC057 = S-L 786

05 56 21 -69 01 06

Size 1.0'

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; moderately bright, small, roundish, 35" diameter. A mag 15.2 star is resolved on the southwest edge and a mag 14 star is at the northeast end. The bright nucleus is nearly stellar, so on first glance it looked like three collinear stars. A 13" pair of similar mag 12.6/12.8 stars lies 4.5' ENE and a mag 10.6 star is 3.7' SSW. Located 12.6' NW of NGC 2157.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2151 = h3001 on 31 Jan 1835 and logged "F; R; bM; 45"." His position is accurate. The Hodge-Wright Atlas completely misplaces NGC 2151 onto chart 66, near 05 57 50 -63 53 38 (2000), about 20' SW of NGC 2162. NGC 2151 is labeled SL 786.

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NGC 2152 = ESO 205-015 = PGC 18249

06 00 55.2 -50 44 27

V = 13.8; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 69d

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 184x): very faint, small, slightly elongated, 25"x20", low surface brightness, no noticeable concentration. A mag 14 star is just off the northeast edge. A mag 10 star is 4.4' E. Located 29' N of mag 5.7 HD 41214. Observation through thin clouds or smoke.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2152 = h2999 on 28 Dec 1834 and noted, "eeF; R; attached to a vS star." His position is fairly accurate and the star is off the northeast edge.

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NGC 2153 = ESO 086-SC043 = S-L 792

05 57 52 -66 24 06

V = 13.1; Size 1.3'

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 184x): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 35"-40" diameter, smooth glow. A mag 14 star is easily resolved at the southwest edge. Located 8' SE of mag 8.2 HD 40924. A mag 10 star is 4' NNE. NGC 2153 happens to be situated just 16' NW of the south ecliptic pole!

John Herschel discovered NGC 2153 = h3002 on 3 Jan 1837 and recoded "eeF; R or lE; attached to a * 16m." His position, from a single sweep, is accurate and the faint star appears to be at the south end.

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NGC 2154 = ESO 086-SC042 = S-L 793

05 57 38 -67 15 42

V = 11.8; Size 2.3'

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 184x): this LMC globular is located 50' SE of mag 5.1 Epsilon Doradus. It appeared bright, large, round, 1.5' diameter, broad concentration, mottled with a couple of mag 15-16 stars resolving. A mag 14 star is close off the north side. S-L 800 lies 10' NNE and NGC 2135 is 25' SW.

S-L 800 was fairly faint, round, 0.6' diameter, low surface brightness. A mag 12.5 star is at the west end and a mag 14.5 star is just off the east side.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2154 = h3003 on 2 Nov 1834 and observed on 4 sweeps. His first description reads "F; L; R; glbM; 100".

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NGC 2155 = ESO 086-SC045 = S-L 803

05 58 32.3 -65 28 40

V = 12.6; Size 2.1'

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): faint, fairly small, round, 1.1' diameter, weak concentration. Near a scattered group of bright (mag 9-10) Milky Way stars and nearly collinear with two mag 9/9.5 stars 7' NW and 13' NW. This is a well-studied older intermediate-age LMC cluster with an age of 2.5 - 3.5 billion years.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2155 = h3004 on 30 Nov 1834 and recorded "vF; pL; R; vlbM; 80"; in a rich field." His position (from 3 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 2156 = ESO 057-SC059 = S-L 796

05 57 50 -68 27 36

V = 11.4; Size 1.1'

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the first of four bright clusters in a 16' field! At 200x it appeared bright, fairly large, elongated N-S, ~1.2'x0.8', sharply concentrated. At 350x a couple of stars are resolved in the halo and the central core is just broken up into several clumps or knots with a couple of very faint stars resolved. Located 6.9' NW of the impressive cluster globular NGC 2164.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2156 = h3005 on 23 Nov 1834 and recorded "pF; S; irreg R; psbM; 25". He observed this cluster on 5 sweeps and other than brightness, the descriptions are similar.

James Dunlop possibly made the first observation (D 197) on 27 Sep 1826 and noted a "small faint round nebula". His position, though, while correct in declination is nearly 19' too far east and might also apply to NGC 2172, which is 12' SW of his position. Another possibility, given by Herschel, is that D 196 = h 3005 = NGC 2156. Dunlop's position is 8' ESE of this object.

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NGC 2157 = ESO 057-SC058 = S-L 794

05 57 35 -69 11 48

V = 10.2; Size 2.7'

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): extremely bright, very large, 1.3' diameter, strong concentration with a very bright, large core, very mottled appearance, showpiece (globular?) cluster. At 394x, several obviously mag 14.8-15.5 stars are resolved in the halo and around the edges. With careful viewing the core broke up into a few dozen extremely packed stars (too tight and faint to count). A mag 11.4 star is 1.4' WNW of center. NGC 2151 lies 13' NNW. These clusters are on the east end of the LMC.

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2157 = D 161 on 6 Nov 1826 with his 9" speculum reflector and described "a small faint nebula, 15" diameter; a small star near the north preceding edge." Dunlop made a single observation and his position is 6.8' too far SW. Despite the small size estimate, there is a mag 11 star off the NW edge.

JH recorded this cluster (h3006) on 4 sweeps, first recording "vB, R, gbM, 30"." On a second sweep he logged "globular cluster, vB, R, vgvmbM, resolvable." JH noted a very uncertain (??) identification with D 161.

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NGC 2158 = Mel 40 = Cr 81

06 07 26 +24 05 48

V = 8.6; Size 5'

18" (2/24/06): at 323x, this rich, irregularly shaped cluster is beautifully resolved into 45-50 stars that are peppered over a 5' background glow. Appears like a resolved globular of low concentration class. Includes a couple of dozen mag 13.5-14.5 stars along with a rich carpet of fainter mag 15 stars. There are several close pairs (1"-2" and possibly closer) and the number of stars keep increasing in moments of rock steady seeing as they seem to emerge from the background. A single brighter star is at the east edge.

17.5" (2/8/86): 30-35 stars resolved, unusually rich, compact, about 5' diameter. The appearance is similar to a resolved globular cluster. Located 30' SW of M35.

13.1" (2/16/85): at least 20-25 stars resolved at 415x.

13.1" (11/5/83): ~15-20 stars, mottled clump near SE edge.

8": few stars resolved over haze.

13x80mm (1/20/07): visible in the finder as a very faint, small glow about a half-degree SW of M35.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2158 = H VI-17 = h375 on 16 Nov 1784 (sweep 317) and logged "a very compressed cluster of vS stars, very rich." JH described the cluster as "rich; much compressed almost to nebulosity; stars very small; irregular triangular figure."

NGC 2158 has been classified as a globular by Rosino in 1954 (Contr. Padova in Asagio No. 52), Helen Sawyer Hogg, 1959 (Star Clusters) and more recently in the RNGC due to its richness. Nevertheless, it is considered an intermediate age open cluster (~ 1 billion years old). NGC 2158 is also five or six times as distant as M35, as far as 16,000 light years away (5071 parsecs).

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NGC 2159 = ESO 057-SC060 = S-L 799

05 58 03 -68 37 30

V = 11.4; Size 0.9'

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x this cluster appeared bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.9'x0.7'. A brighter star is at the north edge. At 350x, at least three additional faint stars are resolved on the north side and the appearance is asymmetric as the cluster is brighter on the north side. Located 8' SW of NGC 2164 and 10' S of NGC 2156. NGC 2172 lies 11' ESE, NGC 2140 is 20' WNW and S-L 791 is 6' W.

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2159 = D 193 on 6 Nov 1826 and recorded "pB; R; well-defined, 12"." He made a single obervation and his position is just 3' S of this cluster.

JH observed the cluster (h3007) on 4 sweeps, first reportin on 23 Nov 1834, "pF; S; irreg R; psbM; 25"." Next he logged it as "pF; S; R; the second of three [with NGC 2156 and 2164]." On the third sweep he logged "pB; S; R; has a *15m close to the edge, nf". Herschel attributed Dunlop with the discovery.

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NGC 2160 = ESO 057-SC061 = S-L 801

05 58 13 -68 17 24

V = 12.2; Size 1.2'

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, small cluster, 25"-30" diameter. Three stars are resolved in the small central clump including a mag 13.5 star on the northwest edge. Two fainter stars are on the east side and just south of center. NGC 2156 lies 10' SSW, NGC 2164 is 14' SSE, NGC 2147/S-L 785 is 15' WNW and S-L 822 is 22' ESE. The last cluster appeared as a moderately bright, small round glow. A mag 13.5 star is involved at the north edge.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2160 = h3008 on 30 Dec 1836 and recorded as "pF; R; gbM; 30"." His position from a single observation is accurate. James Dunlop's D 195 possibly refers to this cluster, but it seems too faint to have been described as "a small pretty bright round nebula, 10" or 12" diameter." His position is 10.6' NE of the cluster.

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NGC 2161 = ESO 033-SC031 = S-L 789

05 55 43 -74 21 12

V = 12.9; Size 2.3'

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 184x): this outlying LMC globular appeared moderately bright, fairly large, slightly elongated, nearly 1' diameter, weak concentration, no resolution. It seemed the cluster was slightly brighter along a central spine oriented WSW-ENE (probably due to slightly brighter unresolved stars).

S-L 804 was picked up 13' NE as a faint, relatively large glow, round, ~50" diameter, low even surface brightness. A mag 10.6 star is 6' SW.

S-L 828, located 28' ENE, is fairly faint, fairly small, round, ~35" diameter, smooth surface brightness, no resolution. Two mag 13-14 stars lie 2' SW.

S-L 783, located 16' SSW, is very faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, smooth glow, fairly low surface brightness, no resolution.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2161 = h3013 on 8 Feb 1836 and described as "F; pL; R; gpmbM; 2'." His position from a single sweep is about 30" NW of center. Located outside the boundaries of the Hodge-Wright LMC Atlas.

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NGC 2162 = ESO 086-SC047 = S-L 814

06 00 30 -63 43 18

V = 12.7; Size 2.1'

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly bright, very large, round, contains a relatively large brighter core, mottled. A couple of very faint stars are fairly easily resolved and several more pop in and out with averted vision. Located 4' W of mag 8.5 HD 41515. Three additional mag 11.5-12 stars, forming a distinctive group, extend south-southwest from the bright star. This LMC globular is located in the northeast outer halo of the LMC, well outside the main outline.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2162 = h3010 on 30 Nov 1834 and recorded "vF; pL; R; vglbM; 80"." On a second sweep he noted "F; R; glbM; 40"; a *9 mag follows in parallel, and 3 more 11 mag near." His position (recorded on 3 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 2163 = Ced 62 = DG 87 = GN 06.04.9

06 07 49.5 +18 39 27

Size 3'x2'

17.5" (1/9/98): moderately bright reflection nebula surrounding a young mag 11 star (HBC 193). The brightest portion of the nebula is noticeably elongated N-S from the central star and 2'-3' in length tapering towards the star. The northern extension has a slightly higher surface brightness. Located 3' W of a mag 9 star. Observed at 220x without filtration.

17.5" (12/23/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 N-S, ~2.5'x1.0', fairly high surface brightness. A mag 11 star is at the south tip of the bright portion and a small very faint extension appears south of this star. Located 3' W of mag 9 HD 41787. Two mag 13 stars are 1' NE and 1' N and a mag 10 star is 5' S. An evenly matched mag 10.5/10.5 double at 12" separation lies 8' WSW. This reflection nebula doesn't respond to a Daystar 300 or OIII filter. Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC due to an error in declination in the NGC. Plotted as Ced 62 in U2000.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2163 = St IX-6 on 6 Feb 1874 with the 31-inch reflector at the Marseille Observatory and recorded "eF, E, dif, *11 attached south." He observed it again on 6 Jan 1878. In compiling the NGC, Dreyer accidentally copied the declination of NGC 1741 (Stephan's previous entry, IX-5). Dreyer later caught and corrected his error in the IC 2 Notes/Corrections section (Dreyer added the comment "my mistake"). The correction was missed by most later cataloguers though Esmiol's 1916 re-reduction of Stephan's positions also gives the accurate position. As an example, in 1922 Edwin Hubble called it "A bright, uncatalogued nebula similar to NGC 2245" and Sven Cederblad listed it as "anonymous" object (#62). So, both were obviously thrown off by Dreyer's mistake. I uncovered that E.E. Barnard independently discovered it on 2 Sep 1888, though initially mistook it for Faye's Comet, which he was searching for.

Skiff recomputed Stephan's original position using precise coordinates for his offset star HD 41787 as 06 04 53.62 +18 40 08.7 (1950). At this exact location is the reflection nebula Cederblad 62 at 06 04 53.17 +18 39 55.0 just 0.45 tsec of RA and 13".7 in declination from Stephan's original coordinates. Besides the excellent positional match, Stephan described NGC 2163 as "elongated with *11 attached south" and visually this nebula appears to extend more prominently north of the mag 11.5 (central) star. On the POSS, Ced 62 is an interesting bipolar nebula with two symmetrical funnel-shaped jets extending north-south from the central star.

More recently, Cederblad 62 wasn't referenced as a NGC object in the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0, Sky Atlas 2000.0 or the Sky Catalogue 2000. The RNGC identifies this object as nonexistent and furthermore reverses the sign of the declination. In addition, a poor RA was given for Ced 62 in Sky Catalogue 2000 and it was misplotted on the Uranometria 2000 (first edition) too far east, though the position was corrected in the second edition. The Millenium Star Atlas labels this object Ced 62 at the wrong position.

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NGC 2164 = ESO 057-SC062 = S-L 808

05 58 56.0 -68 30 57

V = 10.3; Size 2.5'

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the brightest of four clusters in a 10' field. At 260x it appeared very bright, large, round, sharply concentrated with an extremely bright core (appears to be a globular), the large outer halo extends to 2' diameter. Roughly 15 stars are resolved in the halo - some of these are easily resolved 14th mag stars, while others are quite faint. At 350x, two dozen stars are resolved and the core is very grainy. Overall, this is a very impressive cluster. NGC 2156 lies 6.8' NW, NGC 2159 is 8' SW and NGC 2172 is 9.7' SE..

James Dunlop probably NGC 2164 = D 194 on 27 Sep 1826 and described a "A pretty large faint ill-defined nebula." His position is just 3' SW of this cluster. There are 3 other clusters within 9' (NGC 2156, 2159, 2172), but this is the largest and brightest. D 193, decribed by Dunlop as "pretty bright" is south of NGC 2159, but could also apply to NGC 2164.

JH observed this cluster (h3011) on 5 sweeps beginning on 23 Nov 1834, when he recorded "vB, R, gmbM; 90", resolvable." Herschel attributed Dunlop with the discovery.

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NGC 2165

06 11 05 +51 40 36

17.5" (3/1/03): Roughly a dozen stars in a 6'x4' group at 100x. Extended E-W except for a few stars which tail off towards the north on the following end. Nine of the stars in the group are fairly evenly distributed and similar in magnitude (10.5-11). No concentration or dense spots and appears to be an asterism. Listed as a nonexistent cluster in the RNGC.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2165 = h376 on 12 Feb 1831 and noted "a ppor cl 7' length, 3' broad; about a dozen stars 11m." There is a very scattered group of brighter stars on the DSS at Herschel's position with the fields to the west lacking in stars. Karl Reinmuth, using a Heidelberg plate, described a "Cl, P, 20-25 st 11...". RNGC classifies this object as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2166 = ESO 057-SC064 = S-L 811

05 59 34 -67 56 30

V = 12.9; Size 1.2'

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; very bright, fairly small, round, 24" diameter, high surface brightness. Contains a relatively large bright core and smooth halo. A mag 12.5 star is off the northeast side [42" from center]. Located 6' S of mag 9.3 HD 41443. NGC 2177 lies 16' NE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2166 = h3012 on 2 Jan 1837 and recorded "F, S, R, gbM, 15"." His position is accurate. JH credits D 223 as the possible earlier discovery. James Dunlop found D 223 and/or D 222 on 27 Sep 1826. His description for D 222 reads "small round nebula preceding a small star." There is a "small star" just following the cluster, though his position is 9' too far west. D 223 has a relatively accurate position (1.6' N) with description "pretty bright and well-defined small round nebula." Both objects were recorded as observed once, though I don't know if they were on the same night.

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NGC 2167 = SAO 132848

06 06 58.5 -06 12 08

V = 6.6

=*6.6 SAO 132848, Gottlieb and Corwin. = no neb, Carlson.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2167 = h378 on 8 Jan 1831 and described "a star 7m with a p strong neb atmosphere." His position matches mag 6.6 HD 41794 at 06 06 58.7 -06 12 25, but there is no surrounding nebulosity. He incorrectly assumed this was his father's IV-44, which was described on 28 Nov 1786 (sweep 640) as a "star involved in milky chevelure, situated between two stars, with a 3rd star at rectangles to the former two." There is nothing at WH's position for IV-44, though a couple of reflection nebulae are nearby, including NGC 2170 8' south and vdB 68 about 30 sec of RA following and 2' north.

Several unsuccessful attempts were made to see h378 at Birr Castle. The GC and NGC used JH's position and description for h378, so NGC 2167 = h378 = HD 41694, and not H IV-44.

Dreyer commented that IV-44 ≠ h378 in the notes to his 1912 Scientific Papers of WH: "Occurs only in Sw. 640, 2m 0s p, 4' n of IV 38 [NGC 2182]. 'Situated between two stars with a third star at rectangles to the former.' This cannot be h378 (as hitherto assumed), nor does the description quite fit IV 19 [NGC 2170], which does not occur in this sweep, though this star has a star 11m ssp and a vF star north and third farther off npp. But 70s f h378 on the same parallel there is a star 11m between two others sp and nf with a third star p, forming a striking rectangular triangle [vdB 68]. If this is H's object, his RA is 33s too small."

Dreyer is proposing IV-44 = vdB 68 = Ced 65 (and Wolfgang Steinicke concurs), though Corwin feels H IV-44 is more likely a duplicate observation of NGC 2170 = H IV-19, which is brighter and 8' due south of WH's position.

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NGC 2168 = M35 = Cr 82

06 08 54 +24 20

V = 5.1; Size 28'

18" (11/14/09): gorgeous view at 75x, which beautifully frames the cluster as well as NGC 2158. The densest portion is the central 25' where roughly 250-300 stars are resolved. The cluster is noticeably lopsided due to a loop of stars that juts out on the SE side of the cluster. This loop includes mag 7.5 HD 42086 near its SE end. The brightest cluster star is a double on the north side (O∑ 134 = 7.5/9.1 at 31") with a bright orange-colored primary. A prominent loop of stars heads south and curves to the west beginning at O∑ 134. This same chain nearly merges with another prominent chain of fainter stars that begins on the west side of the cluster and forms a string that heads east through the cluster. Other loops and chains caught my eye as star chains seem to outline regions where there are star voids. The cluster itself resides in a rich star field though is fairly well-detached by a region of lower star density surrounding the cluster, particularly around the south side.

8": very bright string cluster, very large, excellent field but not rich in faint stars. Many of the stars are arrange in rows and loops.

Naked-eye: Visible as a fairly small naked-eye glow in a dark sky.

Phillippe De Chéseaux discovered M35 = NGC 2168 = h377 in 1745-46. John Bevis independently found the cluster before 1750 (possibly earlier than De Chéseaux). JH described "a L, coarse, p rich cl of st 9...16m, which fills 2 or 3 fields, but cheifly one in which are about 100 stars."

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NGC 2169 = "37" Cluster = Cr 83 = OCL-481 = Lund 206

06 08 25 +13 57 54

V = 5.9; Size 7'

17.5" (1/19/91): 20 stars mag 7.5-13 in bright, distinctive group. Fairly small, about 6' diameter, not rich. The stars are divided into two main subgroups - along the west side is a string of six stars aligned N-S in a very shallow "V" asterism. The northern two stars in this string form the wide double ∑844 = 8.8/9.9 at 24" and less than 2' S is mag 8.7 SAO 95271. The eastern subgroup consists of 9 stars forming a distinctive triangle outline and includes the close double star ∑848 = 7.5/8.0 at 2.5". The brighter stars form a fairly distinctive "37" pattern! Located 0.9 degrees WSW of Xi Orionis.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2169 = H VIII-24 = h379 on 15 Oct 1784 (sweep 293) and recorded as "a small cluster of pretty large white stars, prettily arranged, not many of them." On 24 Dec 1786 (sweep 662) he note "a cl of brilliant stars, not many in number, but pretty much compressed; with a vacancy in the middle."

By analyzing William Herschel's early "reviews" of bright stars (before his systematic sweeps), which resulted in the discovery of many double stars, Wolfgang Steinicke found (email Oct '16) that Herschel first discovered the cluster on 12 Oct 1782 using his 6.2" reflector.

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NGC 2170 = LBN 994 = vdB 67 = Ced 63 = RAFGL 877

06 07 31.8 -06 23 57

Size 2'x2'

18" (1/13/07): fairly bright, moderately large reflection nebula surrounding a mag 9.5 star, ~2.5' diameter. There are two stars bracketing the nebula at the north and south ends with the brighter southern star of 10th magnitude.

Reflection nebula vdB 69 lies 8.5' ENE and surrounds a mag 9.5-10 star. It appeared moderately bright, ~4'x2', extends mostly SE of the star. vdB 68 lies 13' NE and surrounds mag 9.6 HD 42004. It appeared moderately bright, large, encompassing two mag 11 stars 1.5' NE and 3' NE. The shape appears irregular and ~5' in size.

13.1" (1/28/84): fairly bright nebulosity surrounds mag 9.5 SAO 132861. Also a star 8' ENE is slightly nebulous (vdB 69). This is the brightest and westermost in a group of reflection nebulae.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2170 = H IV-19 on 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 296) and recorded "a pretty large star, about the 9th magnitude, surrounded by milky nebulosity, not circular; but an irregular ellipsis." He recorded it again on 23 Feb 1786 (sweep 528) and logged "a considerable star with milky nebulosity E in meridian or a little from np to sf. It involves a smaller star which is about 1.5' north of it. Other stars of equal magnitude are perfectly clear from it." It was possibly recorded again on 28 Nov 1786 as IV-44 (sweep 640) as a "star involved in milky chevelure, situated between two stars, with a 3rd star at rectangles to the former two." His position is 8' north of NGC 2170.

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NGC 2171 = S-L 691 and S-L 692

05 58 59 -70 43 09

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): there are no good candidates matching Herschel's description for this number, but Mati Morel suggested NGC 2171 was possibly S-L 691 and 692 with a large error in RA (15 min of RA). Although Corwin has since rejected this possibility as it is out of RA order in the sweep, here are the descriptions of these clusters.

S-L 691: faint or fairly faint, small, round, glow, 25" diameter. S-L 691 is the northern of close pair of LMC clusters with S-L 692 just 48" S. Located 5' ESE of NGC 2107.

S-L 692: fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated glow, 35" diameter, no resolution. Visually, there is no noticeable star cloud surrounding these two clusters.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2171 = h3016 on 16 Dec 1835 and recorded "eeF; vL; R; glbM; 4'." There is nothing at this position though ~5' NW is S-L 809 = KMHK 1571. Eric Lindsay, in his 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (IAJ, 6, 286-289), notes "This may be the small object S/L 809, 0.5 min W, 2' N which may be an unresolved cluster or possibly a galaxy. The size does not agree." SIMBAD also identifies S-L 809 as NGC 2171. But this tiny cluster is roughly 30", so it's not a reasonable match with a 4' object. The Hodge-Wright Atlas misidentifies a faint star as NGC 2171.

Mati Morel has proposed that h3016 is a star cloud at 05 44 14 -70 40 09, which includes S-L 691 and S-L 692. This requires a very large error in RA (over 15 min of RA). Harold Corwin notes that the sweep order argues against such an error (see his identification notes) and this object appears to be lost.

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NGC 2172 = ESO 057-SC065 = S-L 812

06 00 05.6 -68 38 14

V = 11.8; Size 1.7'

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): At 200x this LMC cluster appeared moderately bright, fairly small, ~0.8' diameter, irregular, a couple of stars are resolved within the glow. At 350x, the glow is clumpy with four stars resolved with the brightest star at the SE edge. Located 10' SE of NGC 2164 and 11' ESE of NGC 2159. Fourth of four (including NGC 2156) in a 16' circle.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2172 = h3015 on 31 Jan 1835 and recorded "vF; L; R; gbM; 2'." On a second sweep he recorded "pF; R; lbM; 50"." His mean position (two sweeps) is at the south edge of the cluster.

James Dunlop's D 197, found on 27 Sep 1826 possibly is an earlier discovery, though this cluster may be too faint to have seen by Dunlop. He described a "small faint round nebula" that was placed 12' NE of this cluster.

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NGC 2173 = ESO 033-SC034 = S-L 807

05 57 58.9 -72 58 46

V = 11.9; Size 2.3'

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x this outlying LMC cluster (classified as a GC in SIMBAD with an age of ~2 billion years) appears as a fairly bright, round glow, ~2' in diameter, weak concentration, no resolution. A wide pair of 12th magnitude stars lies 2.4' ENE and 3.5' ESE. NGC 2199 (a galaxy) lies 38' SE, and NGC 2209, another LMC cluster, lies 68' SE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2173 = h3018 on 8 Feb 1836 and described as "pF; R; gmbM; 90"." His single position is accurate.

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NGC 2174 = "Monkey Head" Nebula = LBN 854 = Sh 2-252 = Ced 67a

06 09 23.6 +20 39 34

Size 40'x30'

17.5" (1/16/02): at 64x and OIII filter, this is a beautiful, detailed nebulosity surrounding a mag 8 star (SAO 78049), extending at least 20' diameter. The OIII filter gives a dramatic contrast gain. With averted vision and careful viewing, the outer borders extend to ~25'. Structure includes interior streaky dark lanes visible to the west of the star. The rim is slightly brighter or has a higher contrast on the western edge but slightly more nebulosity is visible on the following side of the star.

Without a filter at 64x, I was surprised to immediately notice a moderately bright 3' round glow, situated ~11' NNW of SAO 78049 near the NW edge of the main glow. Interestingly, this patch of nebulosity is more prominent than the main body without a filter and is probably the section of the HII complex visually discovered by Stephan! It seemed quite strange that this patch had such a different filter response and dimmed significantly with the OIII (mainly reflection component?). A curving arc of stars is situated along the north side of the glow. The entire nebula is situated among a scattered group of stars, which is often mistaken for NGC 2175. Located 1.4 degrees ENE of Chi(2) Orionis.

17.5" (2/28/87): very large, irregular nebulosity surrounding mag 8.0 SAO 78049. Dark lanes are evident west of the star, appears very streaky. A bright small unresolved knot is 3.2' ENE of the bright star using an OIII filter [this is NGC 2175].

13" (1/18/85): very bright with filter, very large, surrounds a mag 8 star, sky very dark off west side. West of the star the nebula is mottled and streaky with a bright region near the north edge.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2174 = St IX-7 on 6 Feb 1877. His description does not describe the entire nebulosity or a scattered cluster but rather a small patch of nebulosity (without the accents): "excessive., excess., faible (a peine observable); a l'interieur d'un triangle forme par trois petites etoiles."

He gives a 1878 position of 06 02 07.47 +20 40 54.4 which precesses to 06 09 24.0 +20 39 53 (2000), and falls on the northwest side of the nebula. This probably needs a small correction in declination based on his reference star, but is still accurate enough to clearly identify a small brighter patch of nebulosity. His three stars are mag 13-14 and the knot of nebulosity is quite prominent on the DSS just following the middle of these three stars. This star has a position of 06 09 21.9 +20 39 30 (2000) and Stephan's knot appears only 30-40" in diameter.

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NGC 2175 = "Monkey Head" Nebula = Ced 67a = LBN 854 = Sh 2-252E = Cr 84

06 09 39.5 +20 29 15

Size 40'x30'

17.5": See description for NGC 2174. Although the scattered group of stars involved with the HII region is identified as NGC 2175, the NGC description (from Auwers and Bruhns) does not refer to a cluster but rather a "*8m in neb (Auw No 21)". The position given is 10' S of NGC 2174 and 16 tsec east. But in the IC 2 notes and correction, Dreyer gives a correction in RA from Bigourdan to 06 01 32. This places NGC 2175 at 06 09 52 +20 29.1 (2000) and is just 1' S of the brightest section of the nebula (about 3' ENE of mag 8 SAO 78049). The scattered group is catalogued as Cr 84.

Carl Christian Bruhns discovered NGC 2175 = Au 21 in 1857 using a comet-seeker at the Berlin Observatory. His position corresponds with mag 7.6 HD 42088. Arthur Auwers described this nebula on 24 Feb 1861 with the 6" Heliometer at Konigsberg Observatory as "a considerable area of milky, faint light, extended about 8' north-south and 25' east-west. In the brightest part is the 8m star." Heinrich d'Arrest made 3 observations using the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen in Jan 1865 and wrote "the extraordinarily large, faint nebula is one of the objects which are difficult to see with higher magnification. It took a long time to find it." (translations from Wolfgang Steincke). See notes on NGC 2174.

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NGC 2176 = ESO 086-SC050 = S-L 815

06 01 19 -66 51 12

Size 1.3'

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 184x): fairly faint, roundish, 30" diameter, low surface brightness, no resolution although a mag 14 star is just off the east side. The compact cluster S-L 824 is 8' SE and large S-L 800 is 23' SW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2176 = h3017 on 3 Jan 1837 and recorded as "eeF; R; pL; gbM; 2'." His position from a single sweep matches this cluster.

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NGC 2177 = ESO 057-SC066 = S-L 816

06 01 17 -67 44 00

V = 12.8; Size 1.2'

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 184x): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, fairly even surface brightness, no resolution. Located 8' NNW of mag 9.3 HD 41802 and 11' NE of mag 9.4 HD 41443. Three additional mag 10 stars are in the field to the north and east. NGC 2166 lies 16' SW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2177 = h3020 on 13 Dec 1835 and recorded "F; R; lbM; 15"." On a second sweep he noted "pF; irreg R; resolvable." His mean position matches this cluster.

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NGC 2178 = ESO 086-053 = PGC 18322

06 02 47.6 -63 45 50

V = 12.6; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.7

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 50"x40", contains a very small bright core and stellar nucleus. A mag 15.3 star is close west-northwest [33" from center]. Located 2.7' WSW of mag 8.5 HD 41904. The LMC open cluster NGC 2162 lies 15' WNW.

ESO 086-056 lies 8.8' NE and appeared moderately bright and large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.4', broad concentration, the brighter core bulges slightly at the center.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2178 = h3019 on 31 Jan 1835 and logged "eF, vS, r, 10"." His position is 35" south of ESO 086-053 = PGC 18322.

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NGC 2179 = ESO 555-038 = MCG -04-15-011 = PGC 18453

06 08 02.2 -21 44 48

V = 12.3; Size 1.7'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 170d

13.1" (1/28/84): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, broad concentration. Located 15' ENE of mag 6.0 SAO 171251.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2179 = h3014 on 21 Nov 1835 and noted "F, pmE, glbM, 40"." His position matches ESO 555-038 = PGC 18453.

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NGC 2180

06 09 37.6 +04 43 03

Size 15'

18" (3/5/05): large, scattered group viewed at 115x with the 31 Nagler. Most distinctive is a "candy-cane" loop of a dozen mag 10-11 stars which closely wrap around to the east of mag 7.9 HD 29212 and then extends in a string to the NW ending in two mag 10 stars. A scattering of brighter stars in the vicinity increase the apparent diameter to perhaps 20'x15', though besides the half-dozen or so brighter stars this appears to be an asterism. A half-dozen mag 8.5-10 stars 10' to 12' E and north from the mag 7.1 star roughly define an eastern border to the group. Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC. though this may be an evolved, open cluster remnant that is partially stripped of former members.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2180 = H VIII-6 = h380 on 24 Jan 1784 (sweep 114) and reported "A Cl of scattered stars, about 30 large and many small ones." A later sweep provided an accurate position. JH felt this was a "a fine cluster, coarse, p rich, place of a *9m." His position corresponds with mag 8.4 SAO 113523 at 06 09 37.6 +04 43 03 (2000).

Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey, lists dimensions of 20'x20' with the description "Cl, L, pR, P, sc, st 8.7..., B* BD+4d1141 nr M." RNGC classifies this object as nonexistent (Type 7), though a recent journal article suggests this is an evolved, disrupted cluster (A&A 427, 485-494 (2004).

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NGC 2181 = ESO 086-SC054 = S-L 825

06 02 43.2 -65 15 52

V = 13.6; Size 1.6'

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): extremely faint, fairly small, irregular, ~1' diameter, very low surface brightness. This LMC cluster is located 2.8' WSW of a mag 10 star. NGC 2193 lies 21' NE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2181 = h3021 on 30 Nov 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R." His position from this single sweep is 1' too far east.

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NGC 2182 = LBN 998 = vdB 72 = Ced 68

06 09 30.9 -06 19 35

Size 3'x3'

18" (1/13/07): bright reflection nebula, round, ~2' diameter, surrounding 9.3 HD 42261. In a group of reflection nebula with NGC 2170 28' WSW and NGC 2183 20' ENE.

13.1" (1/28/84): faint, small, nebulosity surrounding mag 9.0 SAO 132895 using averted vision. Located 28' ENE of NGC 2170.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2182 = H IV-38 = h381 on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 529) and described "a considerable star very faintly affected with milky chevelure, the milkiness not far from the parallel." A second observation (also with an accurate position), was made on 28 Nov 1786 (sweep 640), although Sherburne Burnham (Publ of Lick Observatory, II) incorrectly stated the RA should be 1 min larger.

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NGC 2183 = LBN 996 = Ced 69

06 10 46.9 -06 12 43

Size 1'x1'

18" (1/13/07): fairly faint reflection in a group. Appears ~1' diameter and notably was *not* surrounding a bright star as are the other nebulae in the group. There appears to be a faint star, though, at the south edge which may be the illuminating star. A much larger complex of of nebulosity including NGC 2185 is less than 5' E and SE.

13.1" (1/28/84): very faint reflection nebula near four faint stars just SE. Forms a pair with NGC 2185 4.8' E. Located 25' ENE of NGC 2182.

Bindon Stoney discovered NGC 2183 on 11 Dec 1850 using Lord Rosse's 72" and noted "about 65' following h378 [NGC 2167} is a small nebula with nucleus or stellar point." On the sketch of 24 Jan 1851, it's labeled as Epsilon and NGC 2185 is labeled Alpha.

Heinrich d'Arrest independently found this reflection nebula on 11 Jan 1864 and measured an accurate position (as well as NGC 2185). He noted a mag 11-12 star 2.5' south and 1.4 sec of time preceding. Stoney's observation was not included in the GC (because of his rough location) and Dreyer only credited d'Arrest with the discovery in the GC Supplement and NGC.

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NGC 2184

06 11 04 -03 31 12

Size 20'

17.5" (12/23/92): scattered group of 75 stars mag 7.8 to 13 in a 30' diameter. Bright, very large, includes a mag 7.8 star (HD 42761) on the SE, 10 mag 9 stars and two mag 8 stars off the SE end (one a nice double ∑874 = 9.5/10.3 at 21"). There is no concentration towards the center and no dense regions. Fills most of the 100x field. Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2184 = h382 on 19 Feb 1830 and recorded "A large loose straggling cl of 8th class. The place is that of a double star [HJ 2299]." Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel", gives dimensions 30'x30' and a description "Cl, vL, P, v sc, iR, st 9..."

RNGC classifies this number as a nonexistent cluster (Type 7) and it is not included in the Lynga catalogue.

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NGC 2185 = LBN 997 = vdB 73 = Ced 70 = GN 06.08.7

06 11 06.1 -06 12 38

Size 3'x3'

18" (1/13/07): faint, fairly small, 1' reflection nebula surrounding a mag 12-12.5 star. A few arc minutes southwest is a group of 4 mag 12 stars which are also encased in a larger 3' haze of weak nebulosity. Both of these pieces are part of NGC 2185. Located 5' E of NGC 2183.

13.1" (1/28/84): this faint reflection nebula surrounds a mag 12 star. A group of four mag 11.5-12.5 stars is 2' to 3' SW. Forms a close pair with NGC 2183 in the NGC 2182 group.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2185 = H IV-20 = h383 on 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 296) and recorded as "a small star of the 11 or 12 mag, affected in the same manner [as NGC 2170], but very faint. 240 also showed it, other stars of the same magnitude are perfectly free from these appearances." He observed this reflection neb again on 23 Feb 1786 (sweep 528) and logged "5 or 6 pS stars within a space of 3 or 4'; all affected with vF milky nebulosity. It is remarkable that the general milkiness which involves them, seems to be a little stronger about each star; but this last circumstance may be a deception arising from the light of the star."

JH recorded on sweep 235, "A *10m with a vF atmosphere. Two others sp are free from such atmosphere. A very F neb suspected south preceding this object [this may refer to NGC 2183, which is due west].

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NGC 2186 = Cr 85 = OCL-498 = Lund 209

06 12 08 +05 27 30

V = 8.7; Size 4'

17.5" (1/19/91): at 140x about 30 stars in a 4' diameter including three mag 10 stars. Includes a prominent subgroup with a mag 10 star on the north side and a double star 11/12 at 10". A clump of mag 13/14 stars is just west of this subgroup.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2186 = H VII-25 = h384 on NGC 2186 (sweep 512) and logged "a cluster of pretty compressed stars of several sizes, 4' or 5' diameter wth extensively straggling ones." JH described "a pretty rich, comp cl, one st = 9, 3 or 4 = 11, and many 12...15. Place that of double star h2288." JH's position is accurate.

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NGC 2187 = ESO 057-068A = AM 0604-693 = PGC 18354

06 03 48.3 -69 34 59

V = 12.1; Size 2.5'x1.1'; PA = 79d

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): although described as a "double nebula" by John Herschel, this close pair of galaxies received a single NGC entry. At 260x the double system is oriented SW-NE with their outer halos overlapping. The brighter northeast component is fairly bright, fairly small, round, 35" diameter, strong concentration. The southwest member is fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 40"x35", weak concentration, with a lower surface brightness than the NE member of the pair. The pair shines through the eastern portion of the LMC.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2187 = h3025 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded a "Double nebula, position 12.5 degrees; larger pB, R, gbM, 40"; smaller vF, R, glbM." His position (measured on 3 sweeps) corresponds with the double system ESO 57-68A. On the other two sweeps he only described a single object and he only gave a single entry in the GC.

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NGC 2188 = ESO 364-037 = MCG -06-14-008 = AM 0608-340 = PGC 18536

06 10 09.5 -34 06 22

V = 11.7; Size 4.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 175d

24" (1/25/14): at 200x-260x appeared fairly bright, large, very elongated 5:1 N-S, 4.0'x0.8', broad concentration with a large, slightly brighter elongated core. Mag 8.5 HD 42519 lies 8' SW. ESO 364-039 lies 16' NE and ESO 364-035/036, in the core of AGC 3391, lie 28' N. This edge-on Magellanic dwarf irregular has several giant HII regions on the south side and appears to be disrupted, although there is no nearby interacting companion.

13.1" (2/23/85): faint, moderately large, edge-on streak 6:1 NNW-SSE. A mag 13.5 star is at the NNW end. Located 7.8' NE of mag 8.6 SAO 196541.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2188 = h3022 on 9 Jan 1836 and described as "pF, vmE, gvlbM, 2' long." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2189

06 12 18 +01 08

=Not found, Carlson.

Truman Safford discovered NGC 2189 = HN 25/26 on Mar 19 1863 using the 15-inch Merz refractor at Harvard College Observatory. In AN #1453, George Bond (then director of the observatory) noted "two clusters, seen 1863 Mar 19, near two stars of the 10th, 11th magnitude by J.H. Safford, with the Great Refractor." The positions for the two stars are roughly 15' apart E-W although Dreyer used a mean position and only a single entry in the NGC. In any case, there are no obvious clusters on the DSS at his positions, just scattered stars. The same night he also found NGC 2198, which appears to be nonexistent or a weak scattering of stars.

Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey using Heidelberg places, was unable to identify NGC 2189. Corwin very tentatively identifies a group of stars at 06 14 29 +01 02.2.

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NGC 2190 = ESO 033-SC036 = S-L 819

06 01 04 -74 43 30

V = 12.9; Size 2.0'

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 184x): fairly faint, relatively large, ~1' diameter, fairly low smooth surface brightness. No resolution, though viewed through thin clouds. NGC 2161 lies 30' NW. Located 36' W of mag 5.1 Alpha Men.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2190 = h3027 on 8 Feb 1836 and described as "vF; R; gbM; 2'." His position from single sweep is accurate (45" NW of center). NGC 2190 is located outside the boundaries of the Hodge-Wright LMC Atlas.

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NGC 2191 = ESO 160-014 = PGC 18464

06 08 23.8 -52 30 44

V = 12.3; Size 1.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 118d

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x, this Carina galaxy (on border with Pictor) appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 0.7'x0.5'. Sharply concentrated with a very small brighter core. Surrounded by several brighter stars including mag 9 HD 42537 1.9' SW and mag 9 HD 42545 5' ESE. Located 2.4 degrees west of Canopus on the Pictor border.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2191 = h3023 on 9 Jan 1837 and reported "pB, vS, E, vsbM; a ruddy star 9th mag precedes about 5 seconds in R.A." His position is accurate. The ruddy star is mag 9 HD 42537.

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NGC 2192 = Cr 86 = Mel 42 = OCL-437

06 15 18 +39 51 18

Size 6'

13.1" (12/22/84): two dozen very faint stars in a 4' diameter over unresolved haze.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2192 = H VII-57 on 31 Dec 1788 (sweep 901) and recorded "a compressed cluster of vS stars, irregular figure, 6' diameter, considerably rich." His position (Auwer's reduction) is accurate. This older cluster has an age of roughly 2 billion years

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NGC 2193 = ESO 086-SC057 = S-L 839

06 06 17.5 -65 05 54

V = 13.4; Size 1.9'

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): very faint, fairly small, round, ~1' diameter, low surface brightness. NGC 2181 lies 24' SW. This LMC globular is the most elliptical of any known globular cluster with eccentricity = 0.33 (see http://aa.springer.de/papers/9348002/2300418/sc2.htm). NGC 2193 is located 8' SE of HJ 3838, a mag 10.5/10.5 pair at 10".

John Herschel discovered NGC 2193 = h3026 on 3 Dec 1834 and recorded "F; irreg fig; glbM; has 2 or 3 stars in it." His position from this single sweep is just 30" NNW of center.

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NGC 2194 = Cr 87 = Mel 43 = OCL-485

06 13 46 +12 48 24

V = 8.5; Size 10'

13.1" (1/18/85): at least 50 stars in a 5' region including many mag 14/15 stars, very rich with averted. Includes a few brighter stars on the east edge.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2194 = H VI-5 on 11 Feb 1784 and described a "a cluster of very close stars. Rich and of large extent, i.e. about 7 or 8' or more." On 24 Dec 1786 (sweep 662) he recorded "a beautiful cluster of very compressed small stars of several sizes, gradually most compressed in the middle, irr R, 12 or 15' in diameter." In his 1814 PT paper he considered this as an example of a cluster in an advanced state of insulation, "not much differing from a globular figure."

Adolph Petersen independently found the cluster in 1849 but with a poor position. The position was accuratelly measured by d'Arrest on 18 Sep 1862 and by Vogel on 7 Dec 1869. Dreyer missed the equivalence with H. VI 5 and entered d'Arrest's observation as GC 5380 in his Supplement.

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NGC 2195

06 14 33.8 +17 38 22

V = 13/14

17.5" (12/23/97): this close pair of mag 13/14 stars was picked up at 100x just south of a mag 10 star. At 220x and 280x this double star was cleanly resolved [10" separation] although the region between the pair and the bright star (just 30" from the southern star) appeared slightly hazy, probably due to two additional very close faint stars just below resolvability. At 410x, at least one very faint sparkle was occasionally glimpsed close to the mag 10 star. It is not difficult to see why Lohse may have suspected this object to be nebulous. Coincidentally, a very faint reflection nebula (GN 06.11.5) is located 6.7' NNW and it is misidentified as NGC 2195 in RNGC.

Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 2195 around 1886 with the 15.5-inch refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in England. His position is 17 tsec west of a double star (with two additional very faint stars in a chain). His description of a mag 10 star 30" north pins down this identification. Interestingly, on my first observation of this object, I also thought it was nebulous - either due to glare from the mag 10 star or the closeness of the chain of the stars. Coincidentally, there is a very faint reflection nebula (GM 1-45 = P-P 58) 6.7' NNE in the same field which was also visible in my 17.5" and this object has the same RA as Lohse's original position. The RNGC has misidentified this reflection nebula as NGC 2195. See Corwin's notes.

Wolfgang Steinicke commented "The discoverer was Gerhard Lohse, a German working at Scarborough using a 15.5 inch refractor. The object is one of 18 nebulae (from a total of 20) Dreyer put into the NGC. Lohse is among the observers with the poorest statistics: Only 3 objects are real nebulae (the galaxies NGC 2518, 2565, 6792)! 12 are stars (or asterisms), 3 are "not found". From the existing, NGC 2518 is the faintest, but an easy object with V around 13 mag a and compact core. Due to this, it is questionable, if he really saw GM 1-45. The description of a 10 mag star 31" N matches the small group. In general Lohse's positions are not bad, there are "objects" at the places, but in most cases no nebulae."

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NGC 2196 = ESO 556-004 = MCG -04-15-014 = UGCA 121 = PGC 18602

06 12 09.5 -21 48 27

V = 11.0; Size 2.8'x2.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 45d

13.1" (1/28/84): fairly bright, fairly small, almost round, increases to a small bright core.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2196 = H II-265 = h3024 on 20 Nov 1784 (sweep 325) and logged "pF, pS, iF, bM of an irregular shape, somewhat elongated." His position is 30 sec of RA too large and 3' too far south. JH observed this galaxy from the Cape on 4 sweeps, first recording it as "B, pL, R, pspmbM. Many stars near it." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2197 = ESO 086-SC058 = S-L 838

06 06 09 -67 05 54

V = 13.4; Size 1.7'

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 184x): fairly faint, round, 35" diameter, even surface brightness, a mag 15 star is resolved at the north edge and one or two others occasionally pop. The galaxy ESO 86-59 is 3.8' SE (= HS 452 in Hodge-Wright Atlas), but was not noticed. NGC 2197 is situated 12' NNW of mag 6.7 HD 42701

John Herschel discovered NGC 2197 = h3028 on 31 Jan 1835 and noted "vF; R; 40"." His mean position from two sweeps matches this LMC cluster.

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NGC 2198

06 13 54 +01 00

24" (1/22/15): at the position given here is a 10' to 12' field with perhaps a half-dozen mag 10-11 stars and a number of fainter stars. The group, though, is totally unimpressive and does not stand out in the general field. On the southwest side is a 20" pair (one of Safford's 10th magnitude reference stars). About 25' south is a scattered group of mag 9-10.5 stars (along with some fainter stars) that is much more distinctive, though doesn't match Safford's position.

Truman Safford discovered NGC 2198 = HN 27 on 19 March 1863, along with the nonexistent cluster NGC 2189, using the 15-inch Merz refractor at the Harvard College Observatory. In AN #1453, George Bond (director of the observatory) reported "A cluster, seen 1863 March 19, by J.H. [sic] Safford, between two stars in the following position. With the Great Refractor." The positions for the two stars are fine (separated by ~8' east-west) but there is no obvious clustering nearby.

Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel", reported "no CL, many pB st sf Dreyer's place." RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7). Harold Corwin suggests Safford's object might be "a scattered group of 20-30 stars, probably no more than a random field, centered at 06 11 56, +01 03.2 (B1950.0) that covers an area about 12 x 11 arcmin in size. The stars range between 9th magnitude (the eastern-most of Safford's two stars) to about 13.

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NGC 2199 = ESO 034-003 = PGC 18379

06 04 45.0 -73 24 00

V = 12.8; Size 1.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 37d

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright and large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.6', small bright core, occasional sharp stellar nucleus. NGC 2173 and NGC 2209, both likely LMC clusters, lie 38' NW and 30' SE, respectively.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2199 = h3031 on 8 Feb 1836 and recorded "F, vS, R, bM." His position matches ESO 034-003 = PGC 18379, a galaxy shining through the southeast side of the LMC.

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NGC 2200 = ESO 254-039 = MCG -07-13-006 = AM 0611-433 NED2 = PGC 18652

06 13 17.4 -43 39 48

V = 14.2; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 170d

25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x; faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, low surface brightness. A mag 15.5 star is at the southwest edge. Located 5' SE of mag 9.2 HD 432421 and 7' ESE of mag 8.3 HD 43180. Larger of a pair (similar redshift) with NGC 2201 3.5' SE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2200 = h3029, along with NGC 2201, on 1 Jan 1835 and recorded "eF; R; vlbM; 40"." He observed the pair again in Dec 1837, but his NPD was 1° further south. His first position was accurate and matches ESO 254-039 = PGC 18652.

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NGC 2201 = ESO 254-040 = MCG -07-13-007 = PGC 18658

06 13 31.4 -43 42 18

V = 13.4; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 113d

25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly faint, small, elongated 5:3 WNW-ESE, 25"x15". Slightly brighter of a pair with NGC 2200 3.5' NW. The two galaxies are nearly collinear with a mag 9.2 star 5' further northwest.

24" (2/22/14): at 260x; very faint, small, 18" diameter, low even surface brightness. Viewed at 9° elevation. Forms a pair with NGC 2200 3.5' NW, but the companion was not seen at this low elevation.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2201 = h3030 (along with NGC 2200 = h3029) on 1 Jan 1835 and recorded "eF; vS; pslbM; rather a doubtful object." He observed the pair again in Dec 1837, but his NPD was 1° further south. His first position was accurate and matches ESO 254-040 = PGC 18658.

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NGC 2202

06 16 51 +05 59 48

17.5" (2/2/02): fairly distinctive asterism at 100x (20 Nagler), consisting of a bulbous mushroom-shaped ring of about a dozen fairly bright stars with a few others nearby. Within this irregular ring is a nice, mag 9.1/10.8 double (SAO 113671) at 10" separation. Adding to the effect is a straight trail of stars from the double forming a 10' "stem" heading to the NNE and containing a mag 8.7 star (SAO 113677). Listed as a nonexistent cluster in the RNGC.

Wilhelm Struve discovered NGC 2202 = ∑ 885 in 1825 with the 9.6" refractor at the Dorpat Observatory and he listed it in his main catalogue of double stars. JH observed this cluster (or asterism) on Feb 2 1831 and recorded h385 as "The chief of a tolerably neat cluster of large stars." The double star is a 9.1/10.8 pair at 10" separation located at 06 16 51.5 +05 59 47. Karl Reinmuth described the photographic appearance as "Cl, S, R, vP, st 8.5..." with dimensions 6.5'x6.5'. RNGC classifies NGC 2202 as a nonexistent cluster.

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NGC 2203 = ESO 034-SC004 = S-L 836

06 04 43 -75 26 18

V = 11.3; Size 3.2'

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 184x): this LMC cluster (outside the Hodge-Wright Atlas) appeared fairly bright and large, round, ~1.4' diameter, unresolved but slightly patchy or mottled with a weak concentration. A mag 12.4 star is off the NW side [1.6' from center] and a mag 14.5 star is off the south side [1.6' from center]. Located 46' SSW of mag 5.1 Alpha Mensae.

The galaxy IC 2164 lies 9' NE and was logged as "faint, small, round, 30" diameter, fairly low surface brightness, no concentration. A mag 14 star is 1' SE."

John Herschel discovered NGC 2203 = h3035 on 23 Jan 1836 and recorded "pB; irreg R; vgpmbM; 2'; resolvable. His position from this single sweep is accurate. DeLisle Stewart called this object a "faint cluster, not a nebula" (given in the IC Notes).

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NGC 2204 = Cr 88 = Mel 44 = ESO 556-SC007

06 15 33 -18 40 00

V = 8.6; Size 13'

13.1" (1/28/84): two dozen stars mag 12-14 in a 10' diameter. Two mag 9 stars are on the SW and NW edge and many stars are aligned in strings. Mag 6.0 SAO 151274 in field to NNW about 11'.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2204 = H VII-13 on 6 Feb 1785 (sweep 367) and recorded "a cluster of scattered stars, not very rich, above 15' diameter, south following a star 6-7 mag." Jane Houston Jones credited Caroline Herschel credit for the discovery in her Sky & Tel article on CH, but she is not referenced in the NGC nor in WH's catalogues. The error was caused by a transcription error when William's handwritten catalogue went to the printer (she discovered H VII-12 = NGC 2360).

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NGC 2205 = ESO 086-063 = PGC 18551

06 10 33.0 -62 32 19

V = 12.7; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 80d

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 184x): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 25"x20". A mag 11.7 star is 3.3' NNE and a similar star is 5' SSE. A group of stars (mag 10.6 and fainter) is ~10' W. Located 33' SE of a mag 5.0 HD 42540. Observation made in hazy conditions (thin clouds and/or smoke).

John Herschel discovered NGC 2205 = h3034 on 9 Dec 1836 and noted "pF, R, bM, 20"." There is nothing at Herschel's position, but Eric Lindsay comments in his 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (IAJ, 6, 286-289), this is "Probably the galaxy 3/4m West."

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NGC 2206 = ESO 489-026 = MCG -04-15-019 = UGCA 123 = PGC 18736

06 15 59.9 -26 45 57

V = 12.2; Size 2.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 138d

17.5" (2/8/86): moderately bright, small, almost round, small bright core. A star is superimposed very close east of the core.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2206 = h3033 on 20 Jan 1835 and remarked "vF; R; vlbM; 50"." His position (measured on 3 sweeps) matches ESO 489-026 = UGCA 123. Herbert Howe noted that the superimposed star is actually a 10" double.

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NGC 2207 = ESO 556-008 = MCG -04-15-020 = UGCA 124 = Holm 85a/b = PGC 18749

06 16 22.0 -21 22 21

V = 10.8; Size 4.3'x2.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 112d

48" (2/20/12): this beautiful spiral galaxy forms a stunning pair with IC 2163 attached to its east side. The center is sharply concentrated with a brilliant nucleus embedded in a very bright core. A mag 13.5 star is superimposed on the west-southwest edge of the core. A couple of beautiful, winding spiral arms are visible in the halo. An outer arm is on the southern end of the galaxy stretching to the west and curving counterclockwise north towards a mag 12.5-13 star situated 1.7' NW of center. A second more inner arm vaguely emerges on the west side of the core and wraps counterclockwise to the north, where it is parallel to the outer arm described above. This arms then curve back east of along the north side of the halo, stretching to the NE side of the halo, but not reaching IC 2163.

IC 2163 is attached at the east side of NGC 2207. The central region is very bright, round, ~1' diameter, small bright core. Attached on the southwest side is a spiral arm that gracefully sweeps to the east while curving gently clockwise. The arm is ~1.5' long and significantly increases the overall size to roughly 2'x1'. Just northeast of the tip of the arm is 2MASX J06163579-2122032, which appears as a faint, very small knot. This galaxy is probably a dwarf elliptical at the same distance as the pair.

18" (2/5/11): fairly bright, fairly large, sharply concentrated with a bright, elongated core (WSW-ENE) ~1' diameter and a large, much lower surface brightness halo ~2.5'x2.0'. A faint star is close WSW of the nucleus. A mag 13.5 star is at the NW edge of the halo.

Forms an interacting pair with IC 2163, which is embedded on the east side of the halo. The fainter companion appears fairly faint, moderately large, oval E-W, 1.0'x0.7', weakly concentrated

13.1" (1/28/84): moderately bright, moderately large, bright core, double nuclei. A faint extension is visible to the east. This is an unusual interacting pair and the extension to the east is IC 2163.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2207 = h3032 on 24 Jan 1835 and recorded "pB, pL, mE in pos = +/- 87°, pslbM, 2.5' long, 40" broad, to a tolerably well defined round nucleus." His position and Engelhardt's micrometric measurement are accurate, though I'm surprised that Herschel wasn't able to resolve the IC component of the system. The IC Notes mentions "binuclear, surrounded by faint trace of ring" from Herbert Howe (based on a visual observation with a 20" refractor) and DeLisle Stewart (based on plates taken at Harvard's Arequipa station). Holmberg 85b refers to the inner spiral arm (ring) to the west of the core.

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NGC 2208 = UGC 3452 = MCG +09-11-010 = CGCG 260-007 = PGC 18911

06 22 34.7 +51 54 34

V = 12.8; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 110d

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W, weak concentration. A mag 13 star is 1.1' W of center.

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2208 = Sw VI-26 on 24 Nov 1886 and noted "pF, pS, lE." His position is 6 tsec of RA west and 1.6' north of UGC 3452 = PGC 18911.

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NGC 2209 = ESO 034-SC006 = S-L 849

06 08 35 -73 50 18

V = 13.2; Size 2.8'

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this fairly bright outlying LMC cluster (probable globular cluster) appears as a 2.5'-3' glow with only a weak concentration and no resolution. Surrounded by a number of stars including a mag 11.5 star 3.4' W. NGC 2199 (a galaxy) lies 30' NW and continuing in this direction another 38' is NGC 2173, a slightly smaller LMC cluster.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2209 = h3037 on 8 Feb 1836 and remarked "vF; L; R; gvlbM; 3'." His position from this single sweep is accurate.

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NGC 2210 = ESO 057-SC071 = S-L 858

06 11 32 -69 07 18

V = 10.9; Size 1.7'

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 184x): bright, relatively large, round, at least 1' diameter, contains a very bright grainy core and a relatively thin halo, no definite resolution. A mag 14 star is off the southeast side [1.3' from center]. Located 9.3' NW of a mag 8.2 star and 22' SE of mag 5.1 Nu Doradus. NGC 2210 is one of 15 bona-fide ancient GC's in the LMC.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2210 = h3036 on 31 Jan 1835 and logged "vB; S; R; pgvmbM; 35"; not resolvable." He noted the observation probably had a one degree error in the polar distance as the next two sweeps agreed in position.

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NGC 2211 = ESO 556-013 = MCG -03-16-021 = PGC 18794

06 18 30.3 -18 32 14

V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 22d

17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, very small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, small bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 2212 1.5' NE.

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 2211 = LM I-150, along with NGC 2212, on 11 Dec 1885. His rough position is accurate to the nearest min of RA, though Bigourdan (on 9 Mar 1890), Herbert Howe and Ormond Stone measured an accurate RA (given in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 2212 = ESO 556-014 = MCG -03-16-022 = PGC 18796

06 18 35.7 -18 31 10

V = 13.5; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 136d

17.5" (1/20/90): extremely faint, very small, round, very low surface brightness. A line of three equally spaced mag 14 stars begins 1.5' E and ends 1.3' N. Forms a pair with NGC 2211 1.5' SW.

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 2212 = LM I-151 (along with NGC 2211 = LM I-150) on 11 Dec 1885. His rough position is accurate to the nearest min of RA, though Bigourdan, Herbert Howe and Ormond Stone measured an accurate RA for nearby NGC 2211 (given in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 2213 = ESO 057-SC070 = S-L 857

06 10 42 -71 31 42

V = 12.4; Size 2.1'

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 184x): moderately bright and large, round, 45" diameter, slightly brighter core, no resolution. A distinctive 1' trio in a slight curve, consisting of a mag 11 star and two mag 12 stars, lies 3' W.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2213 = h3038 on 9 Feb 1836 and recorded "vF; R; glbM; 30". A triple star precedes." His position from this single sweep is 30" SW of center.

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NGC 2214 = ESO 057-SC074 = S-L 860

06 12 57 -68 15 36

V = 10.9; Size 3.6'

18" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): this young massive LMC cluster appeared very bright, fairly large, noticeably elongated E-W, ~1.6'x1.1'. About a half-dozen stars are resolved around the edges and within the main glow. Well concentrated with a bright central region and a slightly mottled halo.

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2214 = D 201 on 27 Sep 1826 and described "a round well-defined small nebula, 20" diameter, bright at the centre." Dunlop made 3 observations and his position is about 2' SW of center (unusually accurate).

JH made two observations, first on the sweep of 30 Jan 1835 when he recorded h3039 as "B; S; R; or lE; resolved into stars 14...16m; 50"." On a second sweep he logged it as "B; irreg R; or lE; gbM; 80"; resolvable."

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NGC 2215 = Cr 90 = Mel 45 = OCL-550

06 20 50 -07 17 00

V = 8.4; Size 11'

17.5" (12/28/94): about 50 stars mag 11-14 in a 12' region, pretty evenly distributed and stands out well in the field at 100x. At the west edge is a faint detached group of 8 stars. Near the center are several wide pairs and one close evenly matched fainter pair. The cluster is not well defined on the east side and merges into the general field.

17.5" (2/1/92): 30 stars mag 11-14 in 10' diameter, fairly bright, elongated ~E-W, pretty evenly distributed, fairly rich although there no dense areas. Includes about 10 mag 11 stars but there is no single dominant star. The remainder are mag 12-14. Set over background haze. Stands out well in low power field.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2215 = H VII-20 = h386 on 1 Nov 1785 (sweep 468) and recorded "a cl of coarsely but pretty evenly scattered pS stars, of nearly the same magnitude, coarsely round and about 15' diam." His summary description (based on 3 sweeps) reads "a beautiful cluster of pretty compressed and equally scattered stars, 10' or 12' diameter."

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NGC 2216 = ESO 556-017 = MCG -04-15-027 = PGC 18877

06 21 30.7 -22 05 14

V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 20d

17.5" (1/20/90): faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, even surface brightness. A mag 13 star is off the SE end 1.7' from center and a mag 14.5 star is superimposed at the SE end. A group of 20 stars are in the field to the west.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2216 = h3040 on 23 Jan 1835 and noted it as "vF, pL, R, vglbM, 40"." His position (single sweep) matches ESO 556-017 = PGC 18877.

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NGC 2217 = ESO 489-042 = MCG -05-15-010 = LGG 136-001 = PGC 18883

06 21 39.8 -27 14 04

V = 10.7; Size 4.5'x4.2'; Surf Br = 13.8

24" (2/5/13): very bright, very large, contains a brighter 1.3' core that is sharply concentrated with an intense nucleus! The round halo extends 3' and has a fairly smooth surface brightness. The outer halo passes through a wide pair of mag 12/13 stars on the west side. UGCA 126, a thin edge-on, lies 60' WSW.

13.1" (1/18/85): fairly bright, small, elongated ~E-W, well concentrated with a bright core surrounded by small faint halo, stellar nucleus at moments.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2217 = h3041 on 20 Jan 1835 and recorded "vB; R; psmbM; 30", r." His position (measured on two sweeps) matches ESO 489-042 = PGC 18883.

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NGC 2218

06 24 41.5 +19 20 29

=4*, Reinmuth =no cluster, RNGC.

Edward Cooper discovered NGC 2218 on 13 Jan 1853 at the Markree Observatory in Ireland while compiling the Markree Ecliptic Catalogue. Arthur Auwers couldn't find it using the 6" Heliometer at Konigsberg, though included it as #22 in his 1862 list of new nebulae. Karl Reinmuth, using Heidelberg plates, reported "only 4 st 14...15". There is only a small group of 3-5 stars on the DSS at Cooper's position. The RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2219

06 23 45 -04 40 36

17.5" (2/2/02): at 100x, 15-20 fairly faint mag 13-14 stars and a few brighter stars are visible just following mag 6.7 SAO 133199. The group is elongated ~WNW-ESE and the stars are fairly evenly distributed. The SE corner is marked by a mag 7.5 star. Visually, this group appears to be a cluster as the star density is reasonably rich and the group is isolated in the field. Listed as a nonexistent cluster in the RNGC and not in the Lynga catalogue.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2219 = h387 on 19 Feb 1830 and noted "The first *6 of a course poor cl; *11...12." His position corresponds with mag 6.7 SAO 133199 at 06 23 22.8 -04 41 15 (J2000). Karl Reinmuthm, based on his 1926 photographic survey, gives a size of 10' and describes "Cl, pL, P, st 10...; B* BD -4 1484 p." RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2220 = ESO 255-**4

06 21 11.0 -44 45 32

Size 22'

24" (2/22/14): at 125x, this asterism is a scattered 20' field containing several bright stars. There are two groupings with the more prominent southeast group containing 8 brighter stars including mag 7.7 HD 44737, mag 8.4 HD 44665, mag 8.8 HD 44764, along with 4 mag 10-11 stars. These are scattered within an 8' region. A separate group is to the northwest, separated by a 7'-8' gap, which contains 4 mag 9.5-10 stars. Visually this appears to be a random grouping, though the number of bright stars is striking. ESO 255-005 off the east side of the asterism was not seen. Viewed at an elevation of only 8°.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2220 = h3042 on 29 Dec 1834 and recorded a "A poor, very coarsely scattered, but brilliant cluster of 8th class. Place of a star 8m = B 1222, the chief of cl." His position corresponds with mag 7.7 HD 44737 at 06 21 11.3 -44 45 31 (2000). The asterism also includes HD 44665 = HJ 3852 (8.4/10.7 at 7") and mag 8.8 HD 44764. WEBDA has no listing, and this grouping is probably an asterism. RNGC calls NGC 2220 nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2221 = ESO 121-024 = KTS 33A = PGC 18833

06 20 15.7 -57 34 42

V = 12.9; Size 1.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 0d

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the brightest member of a trio of elongated galaxies (KTS 33). At 260x it appeared fairly bright, large, edge-on 4:1 N-S, ~1.5'x0.35', broad concentration, dims at the tips. Just at the north tip is an extremely faint star or a knot (appears to be an HII knot on the Vickers CCD image). Forms a striking pair with NGC 2222 2.7' N. The third member, ESO 161-001 is much fainter and lies 5.3' NNE. A 26" pair of mag 11.5/12 stars 4.5' NW is collinear with this galaxy and a mag 10.9 star lies to the NW of the trio.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2221 = h3044 (along with NGC 2222 = h3045) on 4 Dec 1834 and recorded "vF; lE; vgbM; the preceding of 2." His position is 1' too far north.

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NGC 2222 = ESO 121-025 = KTS 33B = PGC 18835

06 20 17.0 -57 32 04

V = 13.3; Size 1.2'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 150d

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x, this edge-on galaxy appeared moderately bright and large, elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.3', gradually increases to a small bright core. This is the second brightest in a trio of elongated systems with NGC 2221 2.6' S and ESO 161-001 2.9' NE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2222 = h3045 (along with NGC 2221 = h3044) on 23 Jan 1835 and recorded "vF; lE; vgvlbM; the following of 2." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2223 = ESO 489-049 = MCG -04-16-002 = UGCA 129 = PGC 18978

06 24 36.0 -22 50 18

V = 11.6; Size 3.2'x2.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 175d

17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is on the north end 24" from center. Apparently I missed the outer 3' low surface brightness outer halo as the superimposed star is just outside the core.

8" (1/1/84): very faint, fairly small, elongated ~N-S.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2223 = h3043 on 23 Jan 1835 and logged "F; R glbM; has 1 or 2 stars on it and a small close double star (dist 3", 12 and 12 mag) north." His mean position (measured on 3 sweeps) matches ESO 489-049 = UGCA 129.

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NGC 2224

06 27 28 +12 35 36

= no cluster, RNGC.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2224 = H VII-35 on 24 Dec 1786 (sweep 662) and described "A cluster of small pretty much compressed stars with suspected nebulosity, but the latter may be a deception." His position is close to a mag 9.6 star in a rich field containing some extremely faint nebulosity. Robert Ball, observing with the 72" on 9 Dec 1866, noted "some stars scattered about, but no neby see. Sky not good."

Karl Reinmuth reported "no pC Cl seen", based on Heidelberg plates. The RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent and it is not listed in any open cluster catalogue. Harold Corwin there is an elongated group of very faint stars close to Herschel's position and these are embedded in very faint nebulosity, though I haven't checked this field.

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NGC 2225

06 26 37 -09 38 30

17.5" (1/23/93): NGC 2226 is the core of NGC 2225 and consists of a 2' faint group of six mag 14 stars, over unresolved haze. A mag 10 star is 1' S and a mag 12 star is 4' N. NGC 2225 probably also consists of several nearby mag 13.5-14 stars forming a 5' group elongated N-S. Herschel described the cluster as "hook" shaped.

Listed as nonexistent in RNGC though shows up well on the DSS.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2225 = H VII-26 = h388 on 30 Jan 1786 (sweep 516) and described "a cluster of extremely small and pretty much compressed stars, with a few larger ones, but not very rich; in the shape of a hook." His position is off the southeast side of the cluster (or asterism) and the "large ones in the shape of a hook" probably refer to a group of stars off the northeast side of the core of the group. JH measured a more accurate position.

This cluster, though, is not listed in the Lynga catalogue and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent with the comment "NOCL". NGC 2226 is the small core of NGC 2225.

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NGC 2226

06 26 37.6 -09 38 34

Size 2'

17.5" (1/23/93): faint group of six mag 14 stars over unresolved haze giving a fairly rich appearance. Forms an irregular arc 2' length N-S bending west on the south end. Located 1' N of a mag 10 star and a mag 12 star is 4' N. Several more mag 13.5-14 stars are nearby, which together as a 5' group elongated N-S may form NGC 2225.

E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 2226 (discovery date unknown). Harold Corwin notes Barnard was probably using a 5- or 6-inch refractor at Nashville and the discovery was directly communicated to Dreyer. His rough position is nearly identical to this cluster, but the NGC description "small,very difficult,*10 close S" suggests he only noted the core of the larger group (NGC 2225) discovered by WH. RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2227 = ESO 556-023 = MCG -04-16-004 = PGC 19030

06 25 57.9 -22 00 18

V = 12.5; Size 2.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 19d

17.5" (2/8/86): faint, fairly large, fairly diffuse, elongated ~N-S, almost even surface brightness. A mag 10 star is 8' NE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2227 = h3046 on 27 Jan 1835 and remarked "eF; R; has coarse double star preceding on same parallel 90" dist." His description and position (NPD corrected by two degrees in his addendum) matches ESO 556-023 = PGC 19030.

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NGC 2228 = ESO 087-007 = PGC 18862

06 21 15.6 -64 27 33

V = 13.6; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.7

25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, 30"-36" diameter, very small bright core. At 397x the core seemed elongated ~E-W, but this was due to a mag 15.6 star that occasionally resolved at its east edge. Located 11.6' NW of mag 8.2 HD 45462 (a wide 1.5' pair with a mag 9.9 star).

NGC 2228 is a member of ACO S585 = AGC 3389, which includes NGC 2229, 2230 and 2235, but is situated ~30' N of the core of the cluster.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2228 = h3047 on 31 Jan 1835 and noted "F; R; glbM; 20"." His position (single sweep) matches ESO 087-007 = PGC 18862.

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NGC 2229 = ESO 087-008 = PGC 18867

06 21 23.7 -64 57 24

V = 13.4; Size 1.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 133d

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 0.75'x0.25', a mag 14 star is 45" S of center. In the core of the rich cluster AGC 3389 = ACO S585 with NGC 2230 2' S, NGC 2235 6.4' ENE, NGC 2233 5' SSE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2229 = h3048 (along with NGC 2230, 2233 and 2235) on 30 Nov 1834 and logged as "eF; vS; R; the preceding of 3." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2230 = ESO 087-009 = PGC 18873

06 21 27.5 -64 59 35

V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 81d

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, round, 0.9' diameter, moderately concentrated with a bright 20" core. Situated in the core of the rich cluster AGC 3389 = ACO S585 with NGC 2229 2.2' N, NGC 2233 2.9' SE, NGC 2235 6.8' NE, 2MASX J06215975-6459181 3.4' E. A total of 7 galaxies were picked up within an 11' circle.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2230 = h3049 (along with NGC 2229, 2233 and 2235) on 30 Nov 1834 and logged "eF, S, lE, the middle of 3." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2231 = ESO 087-S00C6 = S-L 884

06 20 43 -67 31 06

V = 13.2; Size 2.0'

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 184x): this LMC globular appeared fairly faint, moderately large, round, ~45" diameter, fairly low but irregular surface brightness, increases in size with averted, no resolution. A number of brighter stars in the field including HJ 3862, a mag 9.5/11.5 pair at 8", which lies 5' SE. In addition, a mag 10 star is 6' NNE and two other mag 11 stars are within 4' N. Several more mag 12 stars (some closer) are in the field. S-L 885 lies 3.7' NE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2231 = h3050 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "F, pL, R, gvlbM, precedes a double star [h3862]." On a second sweep he called it "F, L, R, 50", among 10 or 12 stars 10th and 11th mag." His position (measured on 3 sweeps) is good.

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NGC 2232 = Cr 93 = OCL-545 = Lund 220

06 28 02 -04 50 48

V = 3.9; Size 30'

17.5" (12/28/94): at 100x appears as a scattered group of bright stars surrounding 10 Monocerotis (V = 5.1) with the remaining stars forming a wedge tapering to the SW. Includes 7 brighter mag 8-10 stars and another two dozen fainter stars. Richest surrounding 10 Mon and five brighter stars form a distinctive box around the bright star. Too large and scattered for higher power.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2232 = H VIII-25 on 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 296) and recorded "The 10 Monocerotis surrounded by many bright stars." His position matches the bright star. The position in Lynga #5, RNGC, NGC 2000.0 and Sky Catalogue 2000 is about 20' too far west! Brian Skiff suggests a centroid position of 06 28 02 -04 50.8 based on the star GSC 4793-2505. See my RNGC Corrections #7.

By analyzing William Herschel's early "reviews" of bright stars (before his systematic sweeps), which resulted in the discovery of many double stars, Wolfgang Steinicke found (email Oct '16) that Herschel first discovered the cluster on 5 Dec 1779 using his 6.2" reflector. This is apparently his earliest non-stellar discovery!

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NGC 2233 = ESO 087-011 = PGC 18882

06 21 40.1 -65 02 00

V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.0; PA = 45d

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, 36"x9", fairly low surface brightness with little or no concentration. Located 2.8' SE of NGC 2230 in the core of the rich cluster AGC 3389 = ACO S585.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2233 = h3051 (along with NGC 2229, 2230 and 2235) on 30 Nov 1834 and logged "eF; S; the last of 3." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2234

06 29 22 +16 43 24

Size 25'

18" (1/26/09): at 175x only a scattered group of ~75 stars in a non-descript 10' region. Includes a number of mag 12 stars forming the outline of two rough loops or a butterfly shape. This poor grouping is immediately SE of the listed position. The Milky Way is patchy here and the stars are set over unresolved haze. This grouping appears a very weak field enhancement at best and not a cluster.

William Herschel described a larger grouping (nearly 30'), though the entire field is not really distinguishable from the surrouding area.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2234 = H VIII-9 = h389 on 19 Feb 1784 (sweep 148) and reported as "A cluster of stars very much scattered; takes up near 1/2 degree. It is not very rich; the stars are of various magnitudes." JH described "a p rich v loose cl, fills 2 or 3 fields, not bM, st 10...13m."

Karl Reinmuth noted "no distinct Cl" on Heidelberg plates and the RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7). There is a fairly even scattering of mag 10-13 stars in the vicinity on on the POSS.

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NGC 2235 = ESO 087-013 = PGC 18906

06 22 22.0 -64 56 03

V = 13.0; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 68d

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.6', broad concentration with a slightly elongated 25" core. A mag 10.8 star is right at the northeast edge of the halo. This is the brightest of 7 galaxies, including NGCs 2229, 2230 and 2233, viewed in the core of ACO S585 = AGC 3389 and the furthest northeast.

PGC 75662: at 260x; very faint, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.4'x0.2'. Picked up 1.1' NW of a mag 10.5 star and 3.8' SW of NGC 2230.

PGC 75671: very faint edge-on streak 3:1 SSW-NNE, 0.4'x0.15'. A mag 15-16 star is very close following. Picked up just 2.3' N of NGC 2229 on a line with NGC 2230 4.5' S.

PGC 75689: very faint, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.4'x0.2'. Picked up 3.4' E of NGC 2229 and 4' SW of NGC 2235.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2235 = h3052 (along with NGC 2229, 2230 and 2233) on 30 Nov 1834 and logged "vF; S; R; 30"." His position (single sweep) is accurate.

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NGC 2236 = Cr 94 = OCL-501 = Lund 221

06 29 40 +06 49 48

V = 8.5; Size 7'

13.1" (1/18/85): two dozen faint stars in a 5' region over background haze. The brighter stars are in a rich 1' triangular outline with the brightest mag 11 star in the cluster. A long curving arc of fainter stars emanates from the group. Fairly striking cluster.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2236 = H VII-5 = h390 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 156) and described "a cluster of compressed stars of various magnitudes, pretty rich in small stars; the preceding part contains chiefly large onces, not round." JH described an "Irreg fig cl like a hollow triangle in a crowded part of the Milky Way; stars vS; 12...15m; one star 10m. The surrounding loose stars are all large."

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NGC 2237 = Rosette Nebula = Sh 2-275 = LBN 948

06 30 18 +05 03

Size 80'x60'

13.1" (11/5/83 and 1/23/82): the complete annulus of the Rosette Nebula was clearly visible surrounding the naked-eye cluster NGC 2244. Appears brightest and broadest in the NW region with a bright knot in the NE quadrant (NGC 2246). The SE portion is split into two shells. The western section has sharp corner on the inner edge. NGC 2237 refers to a brighter section in the western section of the Rosette. The brighter embedded cluster, NGC 2244, is offset within the 20', darker central region, and the SE end of the cluster (including the brightest member 12 Mon) spills over into the nebula.

8" (1/1/84): complete annulus easy visible in field at 42x or in 8x50 finder with filter as a large, soft ring surrounding the cluster.

Naked-eye (1/8/00): using an OIII filter, the apparent diameter of the cluster (NGC 2244) noticeably increases in size due to the surrounding nebulosity becoming visible. The overall brightness, though, is slightly decreased with the filter as the cluster is significantly dimmed.

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2237 = Sw II-31 around 1865 while comet hunting with his 4.5-inch refractor, though the discovery wasn't published until 1884 (Sidereal Messenger, 3, 57-58).  Swift reported "Some ten years ago, while searching for comets, I ran across an exceedingly large and fairly bright nebula near 12 Mon which I of course supposed was familiar to every astronomer." It was described as "quite sharply defined and in a shape of a perfect ellipse, having at each focus either a round and much brighter nebula, or it has two centres of condensation, probably the latter." This was the first observation of the main part of the Rosette Nebula, though Swift mentioned he saw nebulosity on one side of the cluster only.  E.E. Barnard independently discovered the Rosette on 29 Jan 1883 with his 5-inch refractor while searching for comets (Sidereal Messenger 4, 313) and was the first to see the entire annulus. He commented in his logbook "Found a large nebulous object, [near] a scattering cluster of bright stars; it is elongated southwest and northeast. Larger than the field of view." His notification prompted Swift to claim an earlier discovery.

Barnard referred to the nebula as "Swift's Nebula", though it was often called "Barnard's Ring" before the "Rosette Nebula" nickname was introduced. The oldest confirmed usage was in JRASC from 1949 (vol 43, 122): "Often referred to as the Rosette Nebula, it is known to astronomers as NGC 2237."

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NGC 2238 = Rosette Nebula = LBN 948 = Ced 76a = Sh 2-275

06 30 40.4 +05 00 47

13.1": small knot on the west side of the Rosette Nebula. See NGC 2237 for description.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2238 = m 99 on 28 Feb 1864 with Lassell's 48" reflector on Malta. This is a small, nebulous area around a star in the western half of the Rosette Nebula but there was no mention of the entire nebula, which was first recognized by Lewis Swift and E.E. Barnard.

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NGC 2239 = NGC 2244 = Cr 99 = Mel 47 = OCL-515 = Ced 76b

06 31 55 +04 56 36

V = 4.8; Size 24'

See observing notes for NGC 2244.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2239 = h392 in March 1830 and noted "the place of a *8m in most compressed part of a large, poor, but brilliant cluster." His position is 1 min of RA west of mag 6.8 HD 46150, at the northwest corner of the cluster (NGC 2244) in the center of the Rosette Nebula. Although he noted the equivalence with H VII-2 = NGC 2244, he listed h392 separately in the GC (1420) probably because of the 1 min difference in RA and Dreyer catalogued the object as NGC 2239. Karl Reinmuth put both numbers together and described (based on Heidelberg plates) "NGC 2239 and 2244 B Cl, pL, P, sc, B st in eeL dif neb."

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NGC 2240

06 33 11 +35 15 00

18" (1/26/09): at 175x this is a fairly course, scattered group of three dozen mag 10-13 stars in a 10' region. Located just following mag 6.8 HD 46050. Many of the stars are in pairs and in conjunction with the nearby bright star probably caught William Herschel's attention. Also in the field is mag 7.0 HD 46072 about 12' SSW of the center of the star group.

Described by WH (VIII 49) as "A cluster of coursely scattered large stars, not rich" and by JH (h391) as "a v coarse straggling cl 10' diam; 30 or 40 stars 10...15m. A *10m taken, but one of 7m precedes to the north." Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2240 = H VIII-49 = h391 on 3 Jan 1786 (sweep 509) and reported "A cluster of coursely scattered large stars, not rich." JH described "a v coarse straggling cl 10' diam; 30 or 40 stars 10...15m. A *10m taken, but one of 7m precedes to the N." Karl Reinmuth gives a diameter of 10' and description "Cl, pL, iR, pP, sc, st 10...; bet BD +35 1436 and BD +35 1444.", based on its photographic appearance. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent as this object may be an asterism.

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NGC 2241 = ESO 057-SC079 = S-L 888

06 22 53 -68 55 30

V = 13.2; Size 1.3'

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 184x): fairly faint or moderately bright LMC cluster, round, 30"-40" diameter, smooth surface brightness, no resolution. A mag 11.9 star is 2.4' SW and a mag 11 star is 2' S. The cluster forms the northern vertex of a rough right triangle with the two bright field stars. NGC 2249, a brighter cluster, lies 16' E.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2241 = h3054 on 31 Jan 1835 and recorded "F; pL; R; 30"." His position (measured on 3 sweeps) matches this LMC cluster.

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NGC 2242 = PK 170+15.1 = CGCG 204-005 = PN G170.3+15.8

06 34 07.4 +44 46 38

V = 15.2; Size 20"

17.5" (1/31/87): faint, small, almost round. Unusually weak filtration response as appears similar brightness or slightly fainter using filters! Estimate V = 14.5. This object was recently discovered to be a planetary in 1985 (Shaw and Bidelman) and is listed in the CGCG.

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2242 = Sw VI-27 on 24 Nov 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. This is the last planetary nebula, by discovery date, to be included in the NGC. RNGC and CGCG (204-005) misclassify NGC 2242 as a galaxy although the RNGC new description reads "R, HISB, STEL, PLN??", so it questioned if it was perhaps a PN instead.

In 1985, spectroscopic investigations by Richard Shaw and William Bidelman revealed that NGC 2242 is a previously uncatalogued planetary nebula (independently shown to be a planetary by Machara in A&A 178, 221). It was included as a new planetary nebula in Kohoutek's 4th update list (AN 315, 1994). See my RNGC Corrections #2.

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NGC 2243 = Cr 98 = Mel 46 = ESO 426-SC016

06 29 35 -31 16 54

V = 9.4; Size 5'

13.1" (1/18/85): fairly small faint cluster located just 8' SW of mag 7.4 SAO 196879. Consists of unresolved haze except for four stars on the west edge and a few stars on the east edge.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2243 = h3053 on 19 Oct 1835 and recorded "pB, R, vglbM, all evidently resolved into stars, not very rich. Something between a cluster and a globular cluster. [This ob makes the RA 24m 8.9s, but it is pretty clear that this is a misreading of the chronometer.]" On a second sweep he logged "pB, R, gbM, 4' diameter, mottled or resolved, amongst bright stars." His mean position (two sweeps) matches this cluster.

James Dunlop possibly discovered the cluster earlier on 24 May 1826. His entry for D 616 reads "an ill-defined faint nebulosity of some considerable extent, with several small stars scattered in it." Although this description fits, his position is 33' further east-southeast and JH gave an uncertain equivalence.

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NGC 2244 = NGC 2239 = Cr 99 = Mel 47 = OCL-515 = Ced 76b

06 31 55 +04 56 36

V = 4.8; Size 24'

17.5" (2/11/96): unusually bright, large cluster of ~15'x5' elongated NW-SE in a rectangular outline and situated in the heart of the Rosette Nebula! The brightest 8 mag 6/7 stars lie along the sides and vertices of the rectangle with the brightest member, yellowish 12 Mon (V = 5.9), residing at the SE vertex. There are ~40 stars within the cluster although the only concentration is 15 mag 11/12 stars surrounding mag 6.8 SAO 114010 (W of center) and trailing to the east towards the wide bright pair of mag 8 stars east of center (one of these stars is a close double).

8": bright, large cluster in the center of the Rosette Nebula. The six brightest stars form a rectangular outline with the brightest star 12 Monocerotis (V = 5.9) at the SE corner. At the north and NW corners of the rectangle are two bright wide pairs with mag 7/8 stars. Many faint stars are near the center surrounding the wide pairs. Faint naked-eye cluster in dark sky.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2244 = H VII-2 on 24 Jan 1784 (sweep 114) and described "the 12th Monocerotis is a beautiful scattered cluster of stars. They are chiefly of two sorts; the first very brilliant, and the 2nd sort arranged in beautiful winding lines; of these there are about 30 or more. There are besides many very small stars."

Wolfgang Steinicke credits John Flamsteed with the discovery on 17 Feb 1690 as he recorded the 6th magnitude star 12 Monocerotis on his Atlas Coelestis. But Stephen O'Meara notes that Flamsteed didn't note any of the fainter cluster stars (or general fuzziness), so doesn't deserve credit for the discovery.

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NGC 2245 = LBN 904 = Ced 80 = PP 62 = P 13

06 32 41.2 +10 09 24

Size 5'x3'

17.5" (1/19/91): bright, fairly large, about 3' diameter, elongated SW-NE. Fans out to the southwest from a fairly bright mag 11 star at the northeast end. Fades smoothly into background. Located 2' WSW of mag 8.0 SAO 95816. Reflection nebula NGC 2247 lies 12' NNE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2245 = H IV-3 = h393 on 16 Jan 1784 (sweep 81) and reported "A nebula. It is fan shaped, and appears like a star with a faint, electric brush at one side of it." JH called it "a *11 with a milky neb surrounding it, but chiefly on the sp side. The star is not sharp - not stellar, and the neb fades gradually away from the star; 70" or 80" diam; has a * 7m 30° nf."

The account by LdR (or assistant George Stoney) on Feb 28 1850 is remarkable: "...this neb is part of an enormous neby, which I traced following and north to a great distance, some degrees. It narrows at times to a band across the finding eyepiece of about 6' or 8'. I fancied the number of bright stars was greater in it than in the neighborhood; I am certain the number of small stars is much less..." A sketch made was included in Lord Rosse's 1861 publication (plate XXVII, fig 11).

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NGC 2246 = Rosette Nebula = Sh 2-275

06 32 33.8 +05 07 42

13.1" (1/23/82): this is a brighter patch on the inner northeast side of the Rosette Nebula. A slightly darker gap in the annulus is located at the west end of this portion.

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2246 = Sw III-36 on 27 Feb 1886 and described as "eeF; L; iR; e diff. Probably an offshoot of [NGC 2237] Two or three others suspected." The position is on a brighter patch of the Rosette Nebula on the inner portion of the annulus on the northeast side. Wolfgang Steinicke notes this is the last discovered emission nebula included in the NGC (published in 1888).

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NGC 2247 = LBN 901 = Ced 81

06 33 05.1 +10 19 17

Size 4'x3'

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, fairly small, oval shape. Surrounds a bright mag 8.5 star (Herbig Be star V700 Mon) although extends further to the east side of the star. Reflection nebula NGC 2245 lies 12' SSW.

13" (1/18/85): fairly faint nebulosity surrounds mag 8 star, round, fans out to south in direction of three faint stars.

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2247 = Sw 1-7 on 24 Nov 1883 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and noted a "nebulous star; v diff; B* exactly in center of L, eF nebulosity; follows 1425 [NGC 2245] 28 sec and is 10' N." His position is 2' SE of this reflection nebula.

Dreyer also credited LdR with the co-discovery of NGC 2247. It's possible that Dreyer was referring to Johnstone Stoney's comment on 28 Feb 1850, "...This nebula [NGC 2245] is part of an enormous neby, which I traced f and n to a great dist. some degrees."

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NGC 2248

06 34 35.7 +26 18 16

Size 45"

18" (2/14/10): at 175x a small clump of 4 stars was resolved. The brightest two are a 16" pair of mag 12/13 stars, while the fainter two are probably mag 14.5/15.5.

Edward Cooper discovered NGC 2248 on 23 Dec 1853 while compiling the Markree ecliptic Catalogue. Auwers included it as #23 in his 1862 table of new nebulae and mentioned in the 6" Heliometer at Konigsberg it appeared "extremely faint, just resolvable spot of 2-3' dia. The brightest star 12m." At Cooper's position is a small clump of stars (45" diameter), including a mag 12/13 pair at 16" separation with several fainter stars in a chain to the east. Harold Corwin calls this an "asterism of nine stars". RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 2249 = ESO 057-SC082 = S-L 893

06 25 50 -68 55 12

V = 12.2; Size 1.7'

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 184x): fairly bright, intermediate age LMC cluster, relatively large, 1.0' diameter, round, gradually increases to the center, no resolution. An unequal mag 11/13 pair at ~10" separation lies 3.7' WNW and mag 8.9 HD 45987 is 9' NW. NGC 2241, a fainter and smaller cluster, lies 16' W.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2249 = h3055 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "F; R; vglbM." On a later sweep he logged "pB; R; gbM; 50"; has a double star preceding." His position is accurate. This object is classified as a globular cluster in SIMBAD

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NGC 2250 = OCL-540 = Lund 230 = Cr 100

06 33 49 -05 05 12

Size 7'

18" (1/26/09): at 175x about two dozen stars mag 12-14 stars are resolved in an 8'x4' irregular group, elongated E-W. The brightest star is mag 8.7 HD 46576 on the NE end. Includes several pairs, although none are impressive. Set over a glowing Milky Way background. Appears to be just a weak field enhancement not a true cluster.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2250 = h394 on 20 Feb 1830 and noted as "place of a *8-9 m in following part of a large pretty rich loose cluster; irreg oblong fig; stars 12...14m." His position matches mag 8.7 HD 46576. The Lynga and RNGC position is 1 tmin too far west.

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NGC 2251 = Cr 101 = OCL-499 = Lund 232

06 34 39 +08 22 00

V = 7.3; Size 10'

18" (3/4/08): at 175x, this is a fairly striking cluster that includes a fairly rich 6' string oriented N-S. The string contains ~20 stars including a mag 10.5/11.5 double at 5" (Barton 2120). The brightest star in near the geometric center and is part of second group of ~20 stars with several in a 2' loop. The bright star is a mag 9.5/11.5 pair at 9". Finally, on the north side is a small string of a half-dozen stars oriented E-W.

17.5" (3/12/94): about 40 stars mag 10.5-14 in an 11'x4' fairly rich string NW-SE. Includes about 10 brighter mag 11 stars. The brightest mag 9.5 star is part of a small, roundish subgroup on the west side and is a pleasing double with components mag 9.5/12 at 10". This subgroup has three brighter stars and 15 faint stars mostly west of the double. The main string is fairly uniform except for an empty 3' gap SE of the mag 9.5 star. Located 5' NW of the cluster is an isolated mag 10 star which appears to be a field star.

17.5" (2/1/92): 35 stars mag 10-14 in 12'x6' string NNW-SSE, bright, moderately large, fairly rich but not dense. Consists of 3 main subgroups. The western group is 2' diameter and includes a close double star 10/12 at 10". The NW group is 3' diameter and includes two mag 11 stars with three mag 13 stars between. The SE group is largest and includes 15 stars in a 6' string very elongated N-S with a close double star.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2251 = H VIII-3 = h395 on 26 Dec 1783 (very early sweep 67) and noted "a small cluster of very close stars, not very remarkable." His summary description (2 observatins) reads "an extended cluster of large scattered stars." His position falls just west of center of this cluster. JH called it "a large tract full of stars; v rich; place from working list."

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NGC 2252 = Cr 102 = OCL-514 = Lund 233

06 34 19.8 +05 19 22

V = 7.7; Size 18'

18" (3/13/04): at 115x, this fairly rich field is located just 50' NE of the center of the Rosette Nebula! Most distinctive in the field is a very elongated N-S group of roughly 50 stars in a 12'-15' string just 2' wide. The group has a distinctive hook on the north end as it curves sharply towards the SW. A near perfect triangle of mag 9 stars at 30", 34" and 40" separation lies 23' E.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2252 = H VIII-50 = h396 on 27 Jan 1786 (sweep 512) and reported "a cluster of stars arranged in a broad row, 25' long and 6 or 8' broad, not very compressed but pretty rich." His position is on the east side of the cluster. JH called it "L, pretty rich; stars small; place by working list."

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NGC 2253

06 42 31 +66 24

24" (3/22/14): this number might apply to a fairly rich string of stars about 30' north of William Herschel's position. The surrounding field was examined at 125x (49' field of view) and the only object that caught my attention was a 4' string containing a dozen mag 13-14 stars oriented SW-NE. In addition, a larger group of mag 14 stars is just south (though detached), with the total size of both groups roughly 10'. This asterism is penned in by some brighter stars: mag 9.6 star (SAO 13933) is just north of the group, mag 7.7 HD 47522 is southeast and mag 7.2 HD 47215 is roughly 10' S.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2253 = H VII-54 on 1 Nov 1788 (sweep 879) and recorded "A vF patch of eS stars." There is nothing at Harold Corwin's re-reduced position of 06 41 52 +65 50.3 (J2000) -- similar to Auwers -- and Bigourdan failed to recover this object. Corwin suggests NGC 2253 might be "a small group of about 10-15 stars" at 06 42 32 +66 24.3 (2000). This clump is roughly 30' north of WH's position (possibly a digit error) and described above.

RNGC, CGCG and SIMBAD misidentify CGCG 308-037 as NGC 2253. This galaxy is located at 06 43 14.7 +65 40 39 (2000). NED and HyperLeda equate UGC 3511 with NGC 2253 (originally proposed by Sue French?), though NED notes the identification is very uncertain. UGC 3511 is located ~40' SSE of WH's position so is a very poor positional match. See Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 2254 = Cr 103 = OCL-500 = Lund 234

06 35 50 +07 40 24

V = 9.7; Size 4'

18" (3/4/08): small, dense group of ~25 stars in 3' at 225x and 300x. About a dozen of the stars are arranged in a semi-circular chain or "C" that is open on the east side. Several mag 14+ stars are near this loop, segregated into small clumps.

17.5" (2/8/91): at 220x, about two dozen stars over haze in a 3'-4' diameter. About 6 stars of mag 13 form a "C" shaped asterism open on the east side. The brightest mag 13 star is on the NW side of this arc. The rest of cluster members are 14-15th magnitude.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2254 = H VII-22 = h397 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 496) and noted "a small cluster of pretty compressed vS stars." His position is just west of center. JH called this "a pretty rich, small cluster; irreg fig; st 11...15m."

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NGC 2255 = ESO 365-031 = MCG -06-15-010 = PGC 19260

06 33 58.6 -34 48 45

V = 13.4; Size 1.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 152d

18" (3/11/07): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.5', weakly concentrated.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2255 = h3056 on 2 Feb 1835 and described as "eF; R; vlbM; 25-30"." His position (measured on two sweeps) matches ESO 365-031 = PGC 19260. With a redshift of z = .023 (roughly 340 million light years), this galaxy may be an outlying member of Abell S591.

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NGC 2256 = UGC 3519 = MCG +12-07-015 = CGCG 330-114 = PGC 19602

06 47 13.9 +74 14 11

V = 12.5; Size 2.3'x2.0'; Surf Br = 14.0

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, moderately large, oval 4:3 E-W, broad but only weak concentration. Located 3.5' NNW of a mag 10 star. NGC 2258 lies 15' NNE.

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2256 = T IX-3 (along with NGC 2258) on 1 Aug 1883 with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory. His position and description matches UGC 3519 = PGC 19602.

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NGC 2257 = ESO 087-SC024 = S-L 895

06 30 12.4 -64 19 40

V = 12.6; Size 2.2'

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, fairly large, round, 1.5'-2' diameter, broad weak concentration, no resolution. An elongated group of a half-dozen mag 10-11 stars oriented NW-SE passes just north of the cluster. NGC 2257 is one of 15 bona-fide ancient GC's (over 10 billion years old) in the LMC and is situated at the northeast periphery of the cloud.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2257 = h3057 on 30 Nov 1834 and recorded as "F; vL; R; gvlbM; 3'." On his third sweep he logged "pB; L; R; vgbM; resolvable; diam in RA = 17s of time." His position is accurate. NGC 2257 was identified by Gascoigne and Lynga as the "easternmost object to which membership of the Clouds may certainly be assigned".

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NGC 2258 = UGC 3523 = MCG +12-07-016 = CGCG 330-115 = PGC 19622

06 47 46.1 +74 28 54

V = 11.9; Size 2.3'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 150d

17.5" (1/19/91): moderately bright, small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is just 0.8' NE of center and a mag 12 star is 1.2' SSE. NGC 2256 lies 15' SSW and IC 451 is 20' E.

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2258 = T IX-4, along with NGC 2256, with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory. Tempel just gives a rough RA, but his position is about 6' south of UGC 3523 = PGC 19622 and his description "together with two nearby stars mag 10-11 forms a triangle" clinches the identification. Bigourdan measured an accurate RA on 22 Dec 1891 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes). MCG lists the NGC designation as uncertain.

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NGC 2259 = Cr 108 = Mel 48

06 38 33.3 +10 52 57

Size 5'

18" (3/4/08): at 175x, appears as a 4' rich group of faint stars over haze. At 300x, about two dozen stars in total are resolved, mostly in a 2' circular clump. About 1' N of this dense patch of stars is the brightest mag 11.5 star which has a 13th magnitude companion. This cluster is located 5' E of mag 8.8 HD 47271.

17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, small, 3'-4' diameter, rich, irregularly round. Consists of about 15 faint stars mag 13.5-14.5 sparkling over a layer of background haze. A double star mag 12/13 at 7" separation is at the north edge. Mag 8.7 SAO 95930 is 5' W and is surrounded by a less compressed group of 15-20 stars mag 12/13 in a 6' triangular shape. This mag 8.7 star has two faint companions on the south side and another close faint double star is 3' NE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2259 = H VI-28 on 11 Jan 1787 (sweep 682) and called "a cluster of extremely compressed and exceedintly S stars, considerably rich, irr F, the following and most compressed part of it round." His position (Auwer's reduction) is on the south side of the cluster.

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NGC 2260

06 38 03 -01 28 24

17.5" (2/1/03): roughly 50 stars are visible at 100x spread out over 15'. The stars are in two main subgroups, oriented SW and NE. The SW group includes mag 8.0 SAO 133489 with a rich arc of stars trailing to the north. The NE group is highlighted by mag 7.1 SAO 133505 with a nice 20" mag 11/12 double 1.5' SSE. Also an isolated mag 8.3 star is at the southern vertex of an obtuse triangle with these two groups. Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2260 = H VIII-48 = h398 on 1 Jan 1786 (sweep 506) and noted "A Cl of very scattered stars of various sizes, of more than 1/2 degree of extent." JH called it "very course, v poor, v straggling, the chief *8 taken." His position corresponds with mag 8.2 SAO 133505 at 06 38 05.8 -01 26 40. Karl Reinmuth gave an approximate size of 15' with description "Cl, pL, P, st 8..." based on its photographic appearance on Heidelberg plates. The group is not included in the Lynga cluster catalogue and RNGC classifies it as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2261 = Hubble's Variable Nebula = LBN 920 = Ced 83 = R Mon = HH 39 = PP 64

06 39 10 +08 44 42

Size 2'x1'

18" (3/4/08): Hubble's variable nebula is a striking fan-shaped object, with a mag 12 star at its south tip with the nebula extending to the north. The fan displays a great deal of variation in brightness and structure at 300x. The brightest portion is on the northwest side of the fan, though it dims a little near the tip on the west side. The eastern rim is bright and sharply defined N-S like a thin finger. The nebulosity dims along northern end of the fan and a small, wedge-shaped darker area extends into the fan from the north.

13.1" (1/28/84): Hubble's Variable Nebula is bright, small, fan-shaped 2:1 N-S and widest at the north boundary. The nebulosity tapers down towards 12th magnitude R Monocerotis at the south tip which appears to have a very small high surface brightness halo. The western edge (oriented NW-SE) is slightly weaker and more curved than the eastern edge which is sharper and straighter N-S. This is an impressive nebula with high surface brightness and interesting structure.

8": comet-like nebula extends from R Mon.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2261 = H IV-2 = h399 on 26 Oct 1783 (very early sweep 67) and recorded "a curious nebula of a fan shape." His summary description (based on 4 observations) reads "cB, fan-shaped, about 2' long from the centre." His placed it in class IV, which includes planetary nebulae. JH called it a "*12m with bright cometic branch 60" l whose axis is 60° np. The star is a little ill-defined. The apex of the neb comex exactly up to star, but does not pass it."

George Stoney sketched the nebula using the 72" on 16 Jan 1850 (plate XXXVII, figure 10). He noted "two comparitively dark spaces, one near the vertex and other near the base of the cone." William Lassell observed and sketched NGC 2261 in March 1853 with his 24-inch equatorial reflector from Malta. He noted, "the nucleus not stellar, but like the nucleus of the nebula in Andromeda [M31]." Father Angelo Secchi published a detailed sketch and description in 1856 using the 9.6" refractor in Rome.

In 1916 Hubble discovered the nebula was variable, hence the popular nickname. This is an unusual bipolar nebula with the second southern jet hidden from view. According to the California Institute of Technology, Hubble's Variable Nebula was the first object photographed through the 200-inch Hale telescope at Palomar Observatory. Hubble sat in the prime focus cage of that instrument and recorded an image of it on 26 Jan 1949.

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NGC 2262 = Cr 109 = OCL-531 = Lund 242

06 39 38.7 +01 08 30

Size 4'

13.1" (1/18/85): about 10 very faint stars in cluster over unresolved background glow. Incorrect position given in modern catalogues.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2262 = H VII-37 = h400 on 27 Dec 1786 (sweep 668) and described "A Cl of v. com eS st, considerably rich, 3 or 4' dia., most condensed around the middle." His position matches this small cluster. JH recorded "A great many sc st; and a strong suspicion of a more comp part (thick haze)" and measured an accurate position.

The wrong position (06 38.4 +01 11 (2000)) is given in modern sources such as Sky Catalogue 2000, Lynga, NGC 2000.0, RNGC and SIMBAD (now corrected). Brent Archinal notes (e-mail from 3/11/98) the error originated with Per Collinder's list of clusters (1931) and copied into the modern catalogues.

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NGC 2263 = ESO 490-019 = MCG -04-16-014 = PGC 19355

06 38 28.9 -24 50 55

V = 12.1; Size 2.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 143d

17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, oval NW-SE, even surface brightness. Situated between two mag 13.5 stars 1' N and 1' S with a similar star 1.7' ENE. Located 4.2' N of mag 8.5 SAO 172076 and 7.2' NNW of mag 9.0 SAO 172078" (nearly collinear with the galaxy).

John Herschel discovered NGC 2263 = h3058 on 20 Jan 1835 and recorded "Not vF, R, or lE, pslbM, E between two vS stars, and has two stars about 8th mag S.p. pointing to it." His description and coordinates matches ESO 490-019 = PGC 19355, though the two bright stars are south following.

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NGC 2264 = "Christmas Tree" cluster = Cr 112 = "Fox Fur" Nebula = Ced 84b = Sh 2-273 = LBN 911 = Cone Nebula

06 40 58 +09 53 42

V = 3.9; Size 60'x30'

17.5" (12/28/00): besides the bright nebulosity extending southwest of mag 4.7 S Monocerotis (15), most of the central region of the cluster was set against a weakly glowing background (part of Sh 2-273). At the southern end of the cluster (tip of the "Christmas Tree"), this low surface brightness glow was more evident and clearly extended beyond the 7th magnitude star at the tip towards the SE. The west edge of this weakly glowing extension forms the eastern border of the dark Cone Nebula (LDN 1613). There is a lack of faint stars within the region of the Cone Nebula but the inclusion itself was not darker than the general background.

17.5" (12/30/99): nebulosity was quite prominent to the SW of south Mon as well as a weaker glow in the vicinity around ∑954 at the south end of the cluster. At 100x (unfiltered) there appeared to be a slightly darker vacuity to the south of this star in the position of the Cone nebula but there is no sharp "edge" with the nearby nebulosity.

13" (11/5/83): very bright, very large scattered group, elongated N-S, striking Christmas tree shape. A bright multiple star 15 Monocerotis = south Mon (4.7-7.5 at 2.8" and companions) is at the base of the tree at the north end of the cluster and is surrounded by several stars. Easy nebulosity is visible which extends 10' SW of south Mon and includes a group of three brighter stars. At the south end of the cluster is the double star ∑954 = 7.1/9.6 at 13". The Cone nebula (not seen) extends south of ∑954 and "points" towards ∑954.

8": bright, very large, scattered, Christmas tree outline, fairly rich, includes multiple star south Mon.

Naked-eye (1/8/00): vislble as a 4th magnitude nebulous glow including the mag 5 star (S Mon), but appears much smaller naked-eye than the listed dimensions.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2264 = H V-27 = H VIII-5 = h401 on 18 Jan 1784 (sweep 81) and recorded VIII-5 as "The 15th Mon is attended by above 30 considerable stars, and is itself a double star of the 3rd class. The star extremely unequal and probably not visible in smaller instruments. There is also another double star of the 3rd class not far from it consisting of equal stars." On 26 Dec 1785 (sweep 494) he logged V-27 as "I observed about 7' or 8' sp 15 Mon, some of the pB stars to be contained within vF milky nebulosity which loses itself imperceptibly; but there remains a doubt of the reality." On the 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 496) he mentions "I examined the stars south preceding 15 Mon and believe they contain Milky nebulosity. It is very difficult to ascertain it on account of the glare of the 15th, but I have hardly any doubt. Again on 11 Jan 1787 (sweep 682) he noted "I suspect the sp 2 stars (of which one is Double [15 Mon] to be affected with vF milky nebulosity but may be a deception." WH's descriptions and position apply to the cluster and to the brightest part of the nebulosity southwest of mag 4.7 S Monocerotis. JH also reported "a *5.6 enveloped in a nebulous haze.", although this may be a result of scattered light.

The region around 15 Mon was examined a number of times at Birr Castle, searching for nebulosity. There was several negative results in the 1850's and Lord Rosse wrote "No neby. Found, and only a few stars arranged in pairs; no cl. Has there been a change here? But a couple of later observations (including by Dreyer) were successful. E.E. Barnard and Roberts reported extensive nebulosity in the region based on photographs.

On 10 May 1895 Isaac Roberts showed a three-hour exposure of the NGC 2264 complex taken with his 20-inch reflector on 13 Feb to a meeting of the Royal Astronomical Society. It clearly showed the nebulosity southwest of S Mon (first photographed by Barnard in 1894) but also revealed a “conical dark space bounded by a rim of nebulosity” — this is the famous ‘Cone Nebula’.

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NGC 2265

06 41 42 +11 54 18

17.5" (2/1/03): this is a Milky Way cloud of ~50 faint stars mag 12-14. There is central "hole" lacking any stars, and there are no rich subgroups. Does not look to be a reasonable cluster and candidate and in fact, doesn't stand out in the field at 100x. There does seem to be some unresolved background or Milky Way glow.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2265 = h402 on 23 Jan 1832 and described "A poor cluster 30 or 40 small stars 12-13m." Karl Reinmuth called this "a rich region, >1 degree, no distinct Cl.", based on its photographic appearance. There is a scattering of mag 10-13 stars near Herschel's position on the POSS, but nothing that looks like a cluster. RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent.

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NGC 2266 = Cr 113 = Mel 50 = OCL-471

06 43 20 +26 58 12

Size 7'

13.1" (12/22/84): three dozen stars mag 9-15 in a 4' diameter. Most members are very faint and the cluster appears quite rich with averted over unresolved background haze. The brightest star, mag 8.6 SAO 78670, is at the southwest edge of cluster and a string of five brighter stars mag 10-12 trail to the ENE. An isolated mag 10 star is off the northwest corner.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2266 = H VI-21 = h403 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 486) and recorded "a very rich and very compressed cluster of stars of about 4 1/2 or 5' diameter, 5 or 6 of the largest stars are in a row." His position is on the southeast side of the cluster. JH noted his position is "the most condensed part of a p rich, p comp cl of stars 11...15m; irreg figure; diam of most compressed part = 3...4'' triangular."

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NGC 2267 = ESO 426-029 = MCG -05-16-015 = PGC 19417

06 40 51.8 -32 28 57

V = 12.2; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 36d

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, very small, oval 3:2 NW-SE, bright core. Two nearby stars confuse the observation: a mag 13 star just 36" W of center (at the NW edge) and a mag 14 star 0.9' SW of center.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2267 = h3059 on 16 Feb 1836 and described as "pB, S, R, 20"; has 2 or 3 small stars close to it." DeLisle Stewart, using photographic plates from Peru, described this object as "two nebulae close together."

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NGC 2268 = UGC 3653 = MCG +14-04-022 = CGCG 362-036 = CGCG 363-020 = LGG 145-001 = PGC 20458

07 14 17.6 +84 22 57

V = 11.5; Size 3.2'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 63d

17.5" (8/27/87): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated SW-NE, bright core, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star is at the SW edge 1.1' from center.

17.5" (2/22/87): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, faint halo gradually increases to a large brighter core, small bright nucleus, faint stellar nucleus.

Alphonse Borrelly discovered NGC 2268 = T I-19 around 1871 with a 7.2-inch comet-seeker at the Marseille Observatory. He noted "pretty faint, extended, elliptic, no bright point" and his micrometric position (MNRAS, 32, 248) matches UGC 3653. Wilhem Tempel independently discovered the galaxy in 1877 . The RNGC RA is 8.0 tmin too far east.

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NGC 2269 = Cr 114 = OCL-524 = Lund 252

06 43 16.8 +04 37 04

V = 10.0; Size 4'

17.5" (1/1/92): two dozen stars mag 11.5-15 in a 4' diameter. The main portion is a rich, thin 3' string oriented NW-SE with about 15 stars including a mag 11.5 and 12 star over unresolved haze. The scattered outliers to 4' radius increase the total to two dozen stars.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2269 = H VI-3 = h404 on 24 Jan 1784 (sweep 114) and described "a cluster of very compressed; they are eF and I suppose cannot be visible with my 7 ft reflector. It contains a few L ones. It is of an extended figure, and as it were, divided." His position is poor - 37 sec of RA too far east and 4' too far south, but not unusual for his early sweeps. JH described a "close cl of v small st; poor; twilight; preceded by a coarse cl of large ones." Both Herschels' positions are too far east and so the NGC position is ~9' ESE of center.

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NGC 2270

06 43 58 +03 27 12

17.5" (2/1/03): this is a large, scattered field, ~10' diameter surrounding a kite-shaped asterism of mag 8.5-10 stars. There is no concentration but there are a couple of denser clumps of faint stars on the east side. A curving string of stars heads NE and ends at a group of stars surrounding mag 7.6 SAO 114355. Located 30' S of a mag 5.9 star. Does not appear to be a cluster but just a Milky Way field. Listed as a nonexistent cluster in the RNGC.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2270 = H VII-36 = h405 on 26 Dec 1786 (sweep 667) and noted "A Cl of very scattered stars, considerably rich, and of great extent." JH logged a "coarse scattered cluster; not very rich; place of *9m." His position is just 5 tsec east of mag 8.8 SAO 114331 at 06 43 51.7 +03 27 12. Based on its photographic appeared, Reinmuth calls this a "rich region, no distinct Cl." RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent. See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 2271 = ESO 490-034 = MCG -04-16-017 = PGC 19476

06 42 52.9 -23 28 33

V = 12.2; Size 2.1'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 71d

17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, small, oval E-W, weak concentration. There is a string of five stars mag 9-11 on line to north including mag 9.4 SAO 172213 5' NNE and mag 8.7 SAO 12200 9' NW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2271 = h3060 on 23 Jan 1835 and recorded as "pB, S, R, lbM, 20"." His position (measured on 3 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 2272 = ESO 490-033 = MCG -05-16-017 = PGC 19466

06 42 41.3 -27 27 34

V = 11.7; Size 2.5'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 123d

13.1" (12/22/84): fairly faint, small, round, small faint core. NGC 2280 lies 30' ESE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2272 = h3061 on 20 Jan 1835 and called "F, E, bM, 20"." His position (measured on 3 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 2273 = UGC 3546 = MCG +10-10-015 = CGCG 285-006 = Mrk 620 = PGC 19688

06 50 08.6 +60 50 45

V = 11.7; Size 3.2'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 50d

17.5" (1/20/90): fairly bright, moderately large, oval SW-NE, very bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 5.2' SSW of mag 8.5 SAO 13976 and 6.7' WSW of mag 8.3 SAO 13979. NGC 2273B lies 40' SW.

Swedish astronomer Nils Dunér discovered NGC 2273 on 15 Sep 1867 using the 9.6-inch Merz refractor of the Lund Observatory. In AN 78, 251 (1871) he described it as "fairly bright and at least 2' in diameter, with a strong concentration in the middle." and measured an accurate position (using mag 8.6 HD 49039). This was his only NGC discovery. NGC 2273 was also observed by Herman Schultz on 3 and 8 Sep 1872 with the 9.6" refractor at Uppsala and listed as "Dunér's Nova" in his 1874 publication.

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NGC 2274 = UGC 3541 = MCG +06-15-008 = CGCG 175-015 = WBL 121-003 = LGG 139-001 = PGC 19603

06 47 17.3 +33 34 02

V = 12.1; Size 1.7'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 169d

24" (1/4/14): moderately bright to fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated N-S, sharply concentrated with a round high surface brightness core of 0.4' diameter that gradually increases to the center. Halo increases with averted to 0.9'x0.7'. Brighter of a close pair with NGC 2275 1.9' N. The pair resides in a rich star field with UGC 3537 7.4' NW. This low even surface brightness galaxy appeared very faint, fairly small, round, 24", no concentratin.

18" (3/4/08): moderately bright and large, slightly elongated N-S, 0.9'x0.8', contains a sharply concentrated, bright 25" core and a much fainter halo. Forms a close pair with NGC 2275 1.9' N.

18" (10/21/06): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.8'-1' diameter, bright core. This galaxy is slightly brighter than its companion, NGC 2275, located 2' N. The NGC 2288-2294 group lies 45' E.

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, fairly small, round, small bright core. Forms the brighter of a pair with NGC 2275 2' N.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2274 = H II-614 = h406, along with NGC 2275, on 26 Oct 1786 (sweep 628) and described both as "Two, both F, S, R, bM. The southern one [NGC 2274] is the largest." The pair was observed a total of 14 times at Birr Castle! Harold Corwin notes the identifications of NGC 2274 and NGC 2275 are reversed in the MCG.

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NGC 2275 = UGC 3542 = MCG +06-15-007 = CGCG 175-016 = WBL 121-002 = LGG 139-002 = PGC 19605

06 47 17.9 +33 35 57

V = 13.1; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 20d

24" (1/4/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, elongated 5:3 N-S, 50"x30". Sharply concentrated with a small, much brighter core that gradually increases to the center. UGC 3537 lies 6.8' WNW.

18" (3/4/08): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated N-S, 0.9'x0.6', contains a small bright core ~15" in diameter and a much fainter halo. Slightly fainter of a close pair with NGC 2274 1.9' S.

18" (10/21/06): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.8'x0.6', brighter core. Located 2' N of slightly brighter NGC 2274.

17.5" (1/19/91): faint, small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, even surface brightness. Forms the fainter of a pair with NGC 2274 2' S.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2275 = H II-615 = h407, along with NGC 2274, on 26 Oct 1786 (sweep 626) and described both as "Two, both F, S, R, bM. The southern one [NGC 2274] is the largest." His single position is 9 tsec of RA too far west, but JH measured a more accurate RA. Harold Corwin notes the identifications of NGC 2274 and NGC 2275 are reversed in the MCG.

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NGC 2276 = Arp 25 = Arp 114 = UGC 3740 = MCG +14-04-028 = CGCG 362-042 = CGCG 363-027 = VII Zw 134 = LGG 145-008 = PGC 21039

07 27 14.4 +85 45 16

V = 11.4; Size 2.8'x2.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 20d

48" (4/4/13): at 488x, NGC 2276 appeared fairly bright, fairly large, irregularly round, 2' diameter. Contains a very small, very bright nucleus, surrounded by a patchy halo with weak spiral structure. The most prominent arm winds along the western edge of the galaxy, curving from west to northwest and creating a very asymmetric appearance. Along this arm segment is a prominent knotty section with two or three clumps, including [HK83] 69, a bright 6" knot. On the southwest side of the halo is [HK83] 63, a faint 6" knot on a line between the nucleus and the 8th-magnitude star (HD 51141) 2.3' SW. In the brighter central region surrounding the nucleus are several brighter, small patches that define the inner arms. A slightly brighter region close southwest of the nucleus includes the multiple designations [HK83] 17/42/46/51. Finally, [H83] 24/27 are weak enhancements on the southeast side of the nucleus. HII region #24 was the site of SN 2005dl.

24" (9/15/12): moderately bright, fairly large, round, 2' diameter. Although spiral arms were not visible, the galaxy has an odd appearance with brighter knots and regions resolved. A non-stellar knot, identified in NED as NGC 2276:[HK83] 69 is visible at the NW edge. The central region contains a faint quasi-stellar nucleus, along with one or two other stellar knots including NGC 2276:[HK83] 24, close east of the nucleus. Another knot (nonstellar) is southwest of the nucleus (perhaps NGC 2276:[HK83] 63). The halo appears weaker on the east side and brighter on the west side. Located 2.3' ENE of a mag 8 star and it helps to move the star just outside the field.

18" (8/2/11): moderately bright, large, round, ~2.0' diameter, weak concentration, slightly brighter core. The halo has an irregular surface brightness giving a strong impression of spiral structure with slightly brighter knots on the west side. Located 2.3' ENE of mag 8.1 HD 51141, which hinders viewing and a mag 11.7 star is squeezed between the bright star and the galaxy. Brighter NGC 2300 lies 6' SE. These are the 3rd and 4th closest NGC galaxies to the North Celestial Pole.

18" (3/13/04): fairly faint, large, slightly elongated,~2.0'x1.6', low surface brightness. The halo fades gradually into the background, particularly on the eastern side, so it was difficult to determine a definite edge. Located 2.2' E of mag 8.4 SAO 1148 which detracts from viewing. Forms a trio with NGC 2300 6' SE and IC 455.

13.1" (1/18/85): diffuse, slightly elongated. Located 2.2' ENE of mag 8.4 SAO 1148 which interferes with viewing. Three mag 11 stars also in line with the 8.4 star to the south including a mag 11.5 star just 1.4' SW. Forms a pair with NGC 2300 6.4' ESE.

8" (1/1/84): faint, moderately large, low surface brightness, slightly elongated. A mag 9 star is near.

August Winnecke discovered NGC 2276 on 26 Jun 1876 with the 6.5" refractor at the Strausberg Observatory. Wilhelm Tempel independently discovered the galaxy the same year with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and included it in list I-20. Winnecke also thought he discovered NGC 2300 but Borrelly found that galaxy earlier (either 1871 or 1872) at Marseille . NGC 2276 is the 3rd closest to the pole in the NGC or IC.

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NGC 2277

06 47 47 +33 27 18

24" (1/4/14): a 7" pair of mag 13.4/14.1 stars were fairly easy to resolve at 375x even in soft seeing. Located 9' SE of NGC 2274 (2' pair with NGC 2275).

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2277 on 20 Apr 1865, while reobserving the nearby galaxies in the NGC 2290 group, along with NGC 2274/2275. At his position is a 30" pair of stars with the northern component a 7" pair of mag 13.4/14.1 stars. Corwin includes 5 stars in this asterism. Nearby NGC 2278 from d'Arrest is also a double star.

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NGC 2278

06 48 16.4 +33 23 39

24" (1/4/14): this 10" pair of fairly evenly matched mag 14.0/14.4 stars (oriented N-S) was easily split at 375x. This pair was easier to resolve than nearby NGC 2277 7' NW and NGC 2279 2' NE. Located 16' SE of NGC 2274 (2' pair with NGC 2275).

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2278 on 1 Jan 1865. At his exact position is a 10" double star (mag 14/14.5). Nearby NGC 2277 from d'Arrest also refers to some faint stars. RNGC misidentifies NGC 2278 = NGC 2275.

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NGC 2279

06 48 24.8 +33 24 55

24" (1/4/14): this is an unequal pair of mag 14.1/15.7 stars at 14" separation. The faint companion was just visible in soft seeing at 375x. Situated just 2' NE of NGC 2278, an easier 10" pair of mag 14.0/14.4 stars.

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 2279 = Big. 24 on 8 Jan 1885 and noted 10" diameter with a "stellar aspect". Bigourdan's position is less than 1' S of a triple star (two were resolved in my scope) at 06 48 24.8 +33 24 55. It was found while he was measuring previously discovered nebulae (and asterisms) in the area. RNGC misidentifies NGC 2279 = NGC 2275.

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NGC 2280 = UGCA 131 = ESO 427-002 = MCG -05-16-020 = LGG 138-001 = PGC 19531

06 44 48.9 -27 38 20

V = 10.3; Size 6.3'x3.1'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 163d

13.1" (12/22/84): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, bright core. Located 3.9' SE of a mag 10 star. Almost collinear with a second mag 10 star 5.4' NW. NGC 2272 lies 30' WNW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2280 = h3062 on 1 Feb 1837 and noted "pF; L; irreg R; or lE; gbM; 2'." His position (single sweep) matches ESO 427-002 = PGC 19531.

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NGC 2281 = Cr 116 = Mel 51 = OCL-446

06 48 18 +41 04 42

V = 5.4; Size 15'

18" (3/13/04): ~75 stars in a 30' region to the south of mag 7.3 HD 49009. A number of stars are arranged in a looping chain. There is a neat kite-shaped group of 6 stars (including two pairs at 10" and 15") in the middle of the chain with a faint star in the center. Scattered stars extend to the south, beyond the kite. The group is fairly bright and distinctive and includes a number of mag 9-10 stars, although there are no dense subgroups.

13.1": ~40 stars mag 7-13 in cluster, bright, loose. Five double stars are visible including a mag 9.5-11.0 pair at 11" and a mag 11.0-11.5 pair at 15".

William Herschel discovered NGC 2281 = H VIII-71 on 4 Mar 1788 (sweep 813) and recorded "a cluster of coarsely scattered pretty large stars, pretty rich, the place is that of a double star of the third class." His RA is 1.0 minute too large. The position carried forward to the GC and NGC and modern catalogues including the Lynga Open Clusters Catalog (5th edition) and the RNGC.

By analyzing William Herschel's early "reviews" of bright stars that resulted in the discovery of many double stars, Wolfgang Steinicke recently found (email Oct '16) that Herschel first discovered the cluster on 6 Nov 1782 using his 6.2" reflector.

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NGC 2282 = IC 2172 = vdB 85 = OCL 535.1 = C0644+013 = Ced 87

06 46 51 +01 18 54

Size 3'x3'

13.1" (1/18/85): very faint reflection nebula with a mag 10 star involved, fairly small, round.

E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 2282 on 3 Mar 1886 with the 6-inch refractor at Vanderbilt University (announced in AN 2756 and Sidereal Messenger, vol. 5, p154).  He reported finding "a star of 9.5 or 10 magnitiude, with a faint nebulosity surrounding it. I strongly suspect that is not a stellar point but an extremely small nebula with faint nebulosity surrounding.  At best with the 6-inch it did not appear like any of the neighboring stars.  A short distance (4' or 5') preceding this and very slightly north is a faint double star that I suspect is enveloped in nebulosity."  His position matches the central star HD 289120 of this reflection nebula.

Barnard found this reflection nebula again on 30 Oct 1888 using the 12-inch refractor at Lick Observatory. He noted a "9 1/2 mag star with faint nebulosity about it. 1' in diameter, a little heavier nf. Examined several other stars near, and no nebulosity seen." Apparently Barnard didn't connect this with his earlier observation and notified Dreyer who catalogued it again as IC 2172, at nearly the identical position.  So, NGC 2282 = IC 2172.

This RN is involved with a sparse open cluster OCL 535.1 = C0644+013, listed in Lynga 5 as vdB 85, although Barnard made no reference to an associated cluster. Brian Skiff noticed the equivalence.

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NGC 2283 = ESO 557-013 = MCG -03-18-002 = Ced 86 = PGC 19562

06 45 52.7 -18 12 37

V = 12.2; Size 3.6'x2.8'; Surf Br = 14.6; PA = 2d

13.1" (11/5/83): very faint, small, diffuse, even surface brightness. Three faint stars are involved including two mag 13 stars at the NE edge and the north edge. Located in a rich star field 90' S of Sirius and just 9° from the galactic equator!

William Herschel discovered NGC 2283 = H III-271 on 6 Feb 1785 (sweep 367) and reported "3 or 4 small stars with vF nebulosity between them forming an irregular triangle. 240 power showed the same very plainly." Auwers made an error reducing WH's position, but JH corrected the error in the GC and his position matches ESO 557-013 = PGC 19562. Herbert Howe, observing in 1898-1899 with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver, described "a small quadrilateral of stars of mag 11, 12, 11, and 13, the interior of which in nearly filled by an eF nebulosity."

Harold Corwin comments that E.E. Barnard's IC 2171 may be a duplicate observation (see his identification notes on that number). Dave Riddle notes Sven Cederblad catalogued this galaxy as a reflection nebula (Ced 86) and it was later included in the Dorschner and Gurtler reflection nebula catalogue as DG 111.

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NGC 2284

06 49 16.2 +33 09 59

24" (1/22/15): this number applies to one of two possible triples. At 200x, I found a mag 13.8 star with a mag 14.5 star 19" SW and a mag 15-15.5 star 19" N. The stars were widely split with no hint of appearing nebulous. A fourth mag 16-16.5 star listed in Corwin's table was not seen viewing through thin clouds.

Just 2' SE of these stars is a very nice equilateral triple! The three stars range from mag 12.3-13.5 with sides of 10", 12" and 13". These were also easily resolved.

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2284, along with NGC 2285, on 20 Apr 1865 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory. Near his position is is a pair of mag 13.8/14.5 stars stars at 19" separation with a mag 15-15.5 star a similar distance from the brighter star. Alister Ling found "a triple star (using 255x) amidst a chain of singles and doublets." This trio is 2.4' SSE of d'Arrest's position, but more eye-catching visually. Harold Corwin lists both candidates. The RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2285

06 49 35.9 +33 21 53

24" (1/22/15): at 200x; a 12" pair of mag 14.6 and 15.8 stars was resolved. The fainter star was difficult in hazy conditions. Just 1.6' southeast is a relatively bright double, consisting of mag 10.8/12 stars at 11" separation. d'Arrest didn't mention this pair, which should have been easily resolved, though it is certainly much more eye-catching.

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2285, along with NGC 2284, on 20 Apr 1865 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory. About 1' northeast of his single position is a mag 14.6/15.8 pair of stars at 12" separation and he was uncertain if it was nebulous or stellar. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 2286 = Cr 117 = OCL-548 = Lund 257

06 47 40 -03 08 54

V = 7.5; Size 15'

17.5" (12/20/95): at 100x, ~40 stars within an arbitrary 10' region, elongated N-S. This is a fairly rich group of mostly mag 12 and 13 stars bordered by brighter stars grouped in pairs and trios. There is some concentration with a richer 4' core. A wide pair of mag 9 stars is off the SE side.

17.5" (2/1/92): ~60 stars mag 11-14 in the central 10' diameter. Bright, large, fairly rich though not dense. Richest in a lane running NNW-SSE over haze although the brightest mag 10 stars are outliers to the W, north and SE. There is also a bright lane 15' length oriented N-S located to the east of the main group which includes several wide double stars.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2286 = H VIII-31 = h408 on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 352) and noted "A larger cluster of scattered stars, not v rich." JH made two observations and noted a "Loose L irreg scattered cl of about 100 st 9...15m." His first position is accurate.

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NGC 2287 = M41 = ESO 557-SC14 = Cr 118

06 46 00 -20 45 18

V = 4.5; Size 38'

18" (2/14/10): this naked-eye cluster was perfectly framed at 73x with the 31mm Nagler (67' field). M41 extends roughly 35' in diameter though many of the brighter mag 7 and 8 stars are in a smaller central region. The cluster includes roughly a dozen brighter stars, many forming a large central oval ~15'-20' diameter and elongated E-W or SW-NE. Near the center is a richer grouping with a number of fainter stars and two bright stars including orange (K3-class) mag 6.9 HD 49091 (brightest member).

A number of loops and chains appear to spin out from the central grouping. One long chain extends NNW to the edge of the cluster and a shorter nearby chain heads WNW and includes a pretty equal mag pair before bending abruptly SW. Two other chains extend from the center to the SW and ENE. About 20' SE of the center of the cluster is mag 6.1 HD 49333, the brightest star in the field though not a member.

8" (10/4/80): ~60 stars mag 7-11.5, very bright, very large, very rich, includes 10 bright stars mag 7 and 8. Many of the stars are arranged in curving rows and groups, includes several double stars. Located about 20' NW of mag 6.0 12 Canis Majoris. Naked-eye object in dark sky.

Naked-eye (numerous times): fairly easy naked-eye glow in a dark sky.

Giovanni Hodierna discovered M41 = NGC 2287 = h411 in 1654 (using a small refractor at 20x). It was independently discovered by John Flamsteed on 16 Feb 1702: "Near this star (12 CMa), there is a cluster." Le Gentil also found it in 1749. Wolfgang Steinicke credits Aristotle with the visual discoverer based on comments by J.E. Gore in his 1902 review of the Messier objects. But the source material is not very reliable. See http://seds.org/messier/more/m041_ari.html for this possibility.

William Herschel recorded M41 in 1784 as "A large cluster of very coarsely scattered large [bright] stars." and JH called it "Coarse; fills field. The chief, 8m, is red; a poor cluster." The position in the NGC, RNGC and NGC 2000 is 1 tmin of RA too far east.

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NGC 2288 = MCG +06-15-011 = CGCG 175-017 = WBL 126-001 = PGC 19714

06 50 52.0 +33 27 45

V = 14.4; Size 0.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 10.3

18" (3/4/08): very faint, extremely small, round, no more than 10" diameter. Located just 1' SSW of NGC 2289 and faintest of 5 in the group.

18" (10/21/06): faint, extremely small, elongated 5:3 E-W, 20"x12". In a close trio with NGC 2289 1' NNE and NGC 2288 2' SE.

17.5" (12/19/87): very faint, extremely small, elongated WNW-ESE. First of five in a group and forms a close trio with NGC 2289 1.1' NNE and NGC 2290 1.8' SSE.

George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 2288 on 22 Feb 1849 using Lord Rosse's 72", noting "5 neb. in one field [with NGC 2289, 2290, 2291 and 2294]. It was labeled Beta on an accurate sketch of the quintet. The positions of all 5 galaxies (computed by Dreyer and repeated in the GC and NGC) are offset 4' too far south and ~9 seconds too far west, though the relative positions are correct. The RNGC reverses the identifications of NGC 2288 and 2289.

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NGC 2289 = UGC 3560 = MCG +06-15-010 = CGCG 175-018 = WBL 126-002 = PGC 19716

06 50 53.6 +33 28 43

V = 13.2; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 92d

18" (3/4/08): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, ~25"x20". A mag 13.5 star is close off the north side. One of the brightest two galaxies in a compact galaxy group (all within 6') of 5 NGCs including NGC 2290 2.5' SSE and NGC 2288 1' S.

18" (10/21/06): fairly faint, very small, round, 25" diameter. A mag 13.5 star is just off the north side [38" from the center]. In a compact quintet with NGC 2288 1' S and NGC 2290 2.5' S.

17.5" (12/19/87): faint, fairly small, diffuse, slightly elongated, almost even surface brightness. A mag 13.5 star is just 0.7' N. Second of five in the NGC 2289/NGC 2290 group with NGC 2288 1.1' SSW and NGC 2290 2.6' SSE.

13" (12/22/84): faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE. Forms a pair with NGC 2290 2.6' SSE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2289 = H III-897 = h409, along with NGC 2290, on 4 Feb 1793 (sweep 1031) and recorded "Two, eF and vS. The place is taken between them. They are about 4' asunder and northern one which is the largest precedes the other about 2 sec. 300x shows the same." Assuming Herschel observed the brightest two galaxies with the orientation NNW-SE, then H III-897 = NGC 2289 and H III-898 = NGC 2290 (Dreyer was confused on the WH and JH identifications in the GC and NGC). His RA is 15 sec too large, but the NPD is in between the pair. These two galaxies were also observed by JH (same orientation and 3 or 4' apart). In the NGC, Dreyer incorrectly assigned III-898 to NGC 2289.

The RNGC reverses the identifications of NGC 2288 and NGC 2289. MCG also misidentifies this galaxy as NGC 2288. See my RNGC Corrections #1 and Malcolm Thomson's article in the Webb Society Quarterly Journal in 1/84.

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NGC 2290 = UGC 3562 = MCG +06-15-012 = CGCG 175-019 = LGG 139-003 = WBL 126-003 = PGC 19718

06 50 56.9 +33 26 15

V = 13.2; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 50d

18" (3/4/08): brightest and furthest south in a compact group of 5 NGC's, along with NGC 2289. Appears moderately bright and large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, ~45"x22", the halo is weakly concentrated with a sharply concentrated 10" core. NGC 2289 and NGC 2288 lie 2' N. The cluster is 0.6° SW of mag 3.6 Theta Gem.

18" (10/21/06): furthest south in a curving chain of 5 galaxies including NGC 2288, NGC 2289, NGC 2291 and NGC 2294. Appears fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 40"x30", increases to a very small bright core. The cluster is located 35' SW of 3.6-magnitude Theta Geminorum.

17.5" (12/19/87): third of five and brightest in the NGC 2289/NGC 2290 group. Fairly faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, bright core. NGC 2289 lies 2.6' NNW and NGC 2288 1.8' NNW.

13" (12/22/84): faint, small, elongated SW-NE, similar to NGC 2289 2.6' NNW.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2290 = H III-898 = h410, along with NGC 2289, on 4 Feb 1793 (sweep 1031) and noted "Two, eF and vS. The place is taken between them. They are about 4' asunder and northern one which is the largest precedes the other about 2 sec. 300x shows the same." His RA is 15 sec too large, but the NPD is in between the pair. JH also observed the pair on sweep 51 (22 Jan 1827) and measured reasonably accurate positions.

George Stoney independently found the entire quintet (NGC 2288, 2289, 2290, 2291, 2294) on 19 Apr 1849 and the group was accurately sketched. Dreyer credited LdR and d'Arrest (his single position is 10 sec of time too large) with the discovery in the GC supplement (GCS 5369) as he was probably unsure of the identities of H III-897 and III-898. All positions in the GC and NGC are offset roughly 4' too far south and 8 tsec too far west. In the NGC, Dreyer incorrectly assigned III-897 to NGC 2290 or NGC 2291.

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NGC 2291 = MCG +06-15-013 = CGCG 175-020 = WBL 126-004 = PGC 19719

06 50 58.6 +33 31 30

V = 13.2; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8

18" (3/4/08): faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration to a very small slightly brighter core. Collinear with a mag 10 star 2.7' NNW and a mag 12 star 0.9' NNW.

18" (10/21/06): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, low surface brightness. Located 2.8' SSE of a mag 10 star. In a chain of 5 galaxies with NGC 2294 2.6' E and NGC 2289 3' SSW.

17.5" (12/19/87): very faint, small, slightly elongated, even surface brightness. Fourth of five in a group. On a line with NGC 2288 4.0' SSW and NGC 2289 3.0' SSW. NGC 2294 lies 2.6' ENE.

George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 2291 on 22 Feb 1849 using Lord Rosse's 72", noting "5 neb. in one field [with NGC 2288, 2289, 2290 and 2294]. It was labeled Delta on the field sketch. Dreyer assumed this nebula was JH's h409 (described as "eF; the northern of two, 3 or 4' apart") and possibly WH's III-897, but the Herschel designations more likely apply to NGC 2289. The positions of all 5 galaxies (computed by Dreyer and repeated in the GC and NGC) are offset 4' too far south and 8-9 sec of RA too far west.

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NGC 2292 = VV 178b = ESO 490-048 = MCG -04-16-022 = LGG 138-005 = PGC 19617

06 47 40 -26 44 48

V = 10.8; Size 4.1'x3.6'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 1d

17.5" (1/20/90): very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness. Forms a close pair with NGC 2293 1' SE and a trio with NGC 2295 just 4' W.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2292 = h3063 on 2 Feb 1835 and described "a double nebula [with NGC 2293], the preceding eF; the following (whose place is here set down) pB; both R gbM; in a field full of stars, among which is also a third nebula." His description clearly refers to the double system VV 178 = ESO 490-048/049, although he reversed the orientation and position with NGC 2295! Herbert Howe was the first to note this error in 1898 and corrected the orientation and positions based on observations with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver.

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NGC 2293 = VV 178a = ESO 490-049 = MCG -04-16-023 = LGG 138-002 = PGC 19619

06 47 43 -26 45 12

V = 11.2; Size 4.2'x3.3'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 125d

17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, small, round, very bright core, stellar nucleus. In a tight group with NGC 2292 1' WNW (double system in a common halo) and NGC 2295 4' W.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2293 = h3063 on 2 Feb 1835 and described "a double nebula [with NGC 2292], the preceding eF; the following (whose place is here set down) pB; both R gbM; in a field full of stars, among which is also a third nebula." His description clearly refers to the double system VV 178 = ESO 490-048/049, although he reversed the orientation and position with NGC 2295! JH listed a single entry for both galaxies, although Dreyer gave separate designations for NGC2292 and 2293. Herbert Howe was the first to note this error in 1898 and corrected the orientation and positions based on observations with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver.

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NGC 2294 = MCG +06-15-014 = CGCG 175-021 = WBL 126-005 = PGC 19729

06 51 11.3 +33 31 38

V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 6d

18" (3/4/08): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 ~N-S, 0.6'x0.35', weak concentration. Furthest NE in a group of 5 NGCs. A wide double of mag 10.5-11 stars lies 2' SE.

18" (10/21/06): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, 0.6'x0.3', very weak concentration. NGC 2291 lies 2.6' W and NGC 2288, NGC 2289 and NGC 2290 are all nearby to the SW. A 40" pair of mag 10.5-11.5 stars lies 2' SE.

17.5" (12/19/87): fairly faint, small, oval ~N-S. Follows four stars on a line. Last of five in the NGC 2289/NGC 2290 group with NGC 2291 2.6' W.

13" (12/22/84): very faint, extremely small, almost round, no details.

George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 2294 on 22 Feb 1849, noting "5 neb. in one field [with NGC 2288, 2289, 2290 and 2291]. It was labeled Epsilon on the field sketch. The positions of all 5 galaxies (computed by Dreyer and repeated in the GC and NGC) are offset 4' too far south and 9 tsec too far west.

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NGC 2295 = ESO 490-047 = MCG -04-16-021 = PGC 19607

06 47 23.5 -26 44 09

V = 12.7; Size 2.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 46d

17.5" (1/20/90): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, even surface brightness. Located between two mag 13 stars 30" SSW of center and 20" NNE or center. A similar star is also 1.5' N. First of three with the NGC 2292/2293 duo 4' E.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2295 = h3064 on 2 Feb 1835 and described as "eF; S; R; between stars. A double nebula precedes." His description clearly refers to ESO 490-047 = PGC 19607, although the "double nebula" (NGC 2292/2293 = h3063) follows and his positions are reversed! Herbert Howe was the first to note this error in 1898 and correct the orientation and positions based on observations with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver.

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NGC 2296 = IC 452 = MCG -03-18-003 = PGC 19643

06 48 39.1 -16 54 06

Size 1.9'x1.4'; PA = 145d

17.5" (1/19/91): moderately bright but very small, round, very small bright core. Sirius is 50' WNW and creates a reflection in the field! This object is probably a galactic diffuse nebula located within an absorption patch.

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2296 = Sw VI-28 on 11 Mar 1887 and recorded "vF; vS; R; in finder field with Dog star." His position is 0.7 min of RA too far east and 1' south. Bigourdan found this reflection nebula again on 9 Mar 1890 while searching for NGC 2296, measured an accurate position and Dreyer recatalogued Big. 147 as IC 452. Herbert Howe measured an accurate RA for NGC 2296 in 1898 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes) using the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory. So, NGC 2296 = IC 452.

MCG -03-18-003 misclassified this object as a galaxy, though V-V commented "this is almost a diffused nebulosity, but it is not in any catalogue", and it was later catalogued as PGC 19643. According to Wolfgang Steinicke, this was the last reflection nebula, by discovery date, to be included in the NGC.

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NGC 2297 = ESO 087-040 = PGC 19524

06 44 24.6 -63 43 03

V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2

18" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 45"x30", contains a faint quasi-stellar nucleus. A mag 9.7 star (SAO 249635) is 4.7' S. NGC 2305 and 2307 pair lies 43' SE (over the border into Volans).

John Herschel discovered NGC 2297 = h3066 on 31 Jan 1835 and called "vF, R, vglbM, 30"." His position (single sweep) is accurate.

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NGC 2298 = ESO 366-SC22 = Mel 53

06 48 59.2 -36 00 19

V = 9.2; Size 5'; Surf Br = 0.4

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 200x, this is a compact, fairly bright globular that is well-concentrated with a bright 1.5' core and a fainter halo of ~3' diameter. Roughly two dozen stars are resolved (brightest cluster members are mag 13.4) including several across the core and a number of stragglers, which are easier to resolve in the outer halo.

17.5" (1/31/87): moderately large globular with no sharp core. A dozen stars are resolved over the mottled disc.

8" (1/1/84): no resolution, fairly small, smooth.

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2298 = D 578 on 8 May 1826 and described "a pretty bright round nebula, 3' or 4' diameter, moderately condensed to the centre. This is resolvable into stars." He made 6 observations and his published position is 6' W of center of the globular.

JH observed the globular (h3065) on four sweeps from the Cape of Good Hope, first recording it on 2 Feb 1835 as "B, R, gpmbM, 3', all resolved into stars 14th mag. In the centre is a star 13th mag."

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NGC 2299 = NGC 2302 = OCL-554 = Lund 264

06 51 54 -07 05 00

See observing notes for NGC 2302

John Herschel discovered NGC 2299 = h412 on 19 Jan 1828 and described "A coarse cl, not v rich, 30 or 40 st, probably only an outlying portion of VIII 39 [NGC 2302]". There is nothing at his position (about 7' W of mag 6.6 HD 50138), though it is marked as uncertain. Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Neblel", comments "many st, but nothing like a cluster."

Harold Corwin notes that JH's positional offset from NGC 2302 (discovered earlier by WH) is "nearly the same as NGC 2338 (which see), found in the same sweep on 19 January 1828." So, he concludes NGC 2299 = NGC 2302, despite that JH apparently thought he was observing a different cluster.

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NGC 2300 = Arp 114 = UGC 3798 = MCG +14-04-031 = CGCG 362-043 = CGCG 363-029 = LGG 145-003 = PGC 21231

07 32 20.0 +85 42 32

V = 11.1; Size 2.8'x2.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 80d

18" (8/2/11): bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, ~1.5'x1.3' diameter. Sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases steadily to the center. The halo fades out and increases with averted vision. Forms a striking pair with NGC 2276 just 6' NW. Brightest in a group of galaxies near +85° declination.

18" (3/13/04): fairly bright, fairly small, irregularly round, 1.2' diameter. Well concentrated with a bright 25" core and a much fainter irregular halo. Forms a trio with NGC 2276 6' W and IC 455 11' SSE.

13.1" (1/18/85): fairly bright, bright core, small fainter halo. Forms a pair with NGC 2276 7' W. IC 455 is 11' SSE.

8" (1/1/84): moderately bright, small, bright core, slightly elongated.

Alphonse Borrelly discovered NGC 2300 in 1871 or 1872 with a 7.2-inch comet-seeker at the Marseille Observatory. He noted "Nebula pretty bright, moderately extended, round; nucleus of 12-13 magnitude." and his micrometric position (MNRAS, 32, 248) is accurate. August Winnecke independently found the galaxy on 26 Jun 1876 as well as Wilhelm Tempel (list V-21) in 1877. This galaxy is the 4th closest to the pole in the NGC or IC.

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NGC 2301 = Cr 119 = Mel 54 = OCL-540

06 51 45 +00 27 36

V = 6.0; Size 12'

17.5" (2/28/87): ~60-70 stars in cluster. A bright blue/yellow double star (h740 = 8.6/9.3 at 21") is near the center. Many of the stars are arranged in two strings oriented SW-NE which pass through the center.

13.1" (1/1/84): striking, ~60 stars in cluster, dozens more nearby. A very elongated string passes through the center.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2301 = H VI-27 = h413 on 27 Dec 1786 (sweep 668) and described "a very beautiful cluster of much compressed small and large stars of many sizes, above 20' diameter." His position is accurate. JH noted a "double star in the chief group of a prety rich coarse cl, not very compressed. Broken into 3 groups. The sp group is the richest."

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NGC 2302 = NGC 2299?? = OCL-554 = Lund 264

06 51 54 -07 05 00

V = 8.9; Size 3'

17.5" (2/1/03): at 140x, this a fairly small group (~4' diameter) of roughly two dozen stars embedded in a large, scattered field of stars. On the west side is a nice quadruple including three mag 10 stars. On the east side is a double and a triple star forming a "V" asterism. Located 7' SE of mag 6.6 SAO 133781. This bright star has perhaps a dozen fainter stars within 3' but this subgroup does not look to be a plausible candidate for NGC 2299 which is more likely a duplicate of NGC 2302.

17.5": 20 stars resolved at 140X, in fairly small group. Not rich but includes some close doubles. The three brightest mag 10 stars form a shallow arc on the west side with fourth fainter star nearby. On the east side is a V-shaped group of six stars with the vertex at the east side. The central portion includes a few scattered stars with a line of three stars on the south side.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2302 = H VIII-39 = h414 on 4 Mar 1785 (sweep 377) and recorded "a cluster of scattered large stars, of various sizes, not very rich; but taking up above 20 minutes." His position is ~20 seconds of RA too large, though his description includes the surrounding field. JH measured an accurate position (measured on 3 sweeps). NGC 2299 = NGC 2302 is a duplicate observation (see notes).

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NGC 2303 = UGC 3603 = MCG +08-13-031 = CGCG 234-030 = PGC 19891

06 56 17.5 +45 29 34

V = 12.6; Size 1.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.5

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus.

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2303 = Sw VI-29 on 24 Nov 1886 with a 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position is 11 tsec west and 23" north of UGC 3603 = PGC 19891. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 9 Jan 1891 (repeated in the IC 2 notes). UGC does not label the galaxy as NGC 2302 and MCG gives an uncertain NGC identification.

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NGC 2304 = Cr 120 = Mel 55 = OCL-484

06 55 12 +17 59 18

Size 5'

13.1" (12/22/84): ~20 faint stars, unresolved haze, rich, elongated WSW-ENE in a thin wedge.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2304 = H VI-2 = h415 on 30 Dec 1783 (early sweep 68) and recorded "a cluster of extremely small stars, very much compressed, 5 or 6' diameter. The stars of the cluster are of unequal sizes but chiefly of two sorts, vS and eS. I viewed them with a power of 500 and found them very numerous and compressed. The cluster is of an irregular oval or almost round form." Auwer's reduction is 40 sec of RA east of the cluster. JH measured an accurate position on sweep 313 and noted a "pretty rich cl; acutangular, the acute angle precedes; the p side is bounded by a remarkably definite line..."

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NGC 2305 = ESO 087-044 = PGC 19641

06 48 37.8 -64 16 24

V = 11.7; Size 2.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 140d

18" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): moderately to fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 50"x40", sharply concentrated with a very bright small core. Bracketed by two close stars; a mag 12.5 star is 35" S of center and a mag 11.6 star is less than 30" E of center. Forms a pair with NGC 2307 4' SSE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2305 = h3067, along with NGC 2307 = h3068, on 30 Nov 1834 and recorded, "F; vS; R; makes a small triangle with 2 stars." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2306

06 54 30 -07 12 18

Size 20'x10'

18" (1/26/09): at 175x, ~75 stars are resolved in an 18'x10' Milky Way group or cloud that streams WSW to ENE. The richest portion is on the west side just south of mag 8.6 HD 50734 (not part of the group). This subgroup includes a fairly close double star and a very small clump that resolves into at least 4 tightly packed stars. Appears to be an unimpressive Milky Way field, though the cloud is somewhat detached so is distinguishable.

WH (VIII 51) noted this object as "a cluster of very scattered stars" and JH, who observed it three times (h416) described as an outlying portion of VIII 39 = NGC 2302 and "has no title to be called a cluster."

William Herschel discovered NGC 2306 = H VIII-51 = h416 on 23 Feb 1786 (sweep 528) and noted "a very much scattered cluster." JH made 3 observation and described an outlying portion of NGC 2302 = H VIII-39 that "has no title to be called a cluster." Karl Reimuth also comments "many st, but nothing like a cluster.", based on its photographic appearance. RNGC classifies the number nonexistent (Type 7). See Corwin'sidentification notes.

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NGC 2307 = ESO 087-045 = PGC 19648

06 48 50.8 -64 20 07

V = 12.0; Size 1.7'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 142d

18" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): slightly larger and fainter of a pair with NGC 2305 4' NNW. Appeared moderately bright and large, roundish, contains a bright elongated core or "bar" oriented NW-SE [~40" in length] with a diffuse halo ~1.3' diameter.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2307 = h3068 (along with NGC 2305 = h3067) on 30 Nov 1834 and noted "vF; pL; lE; in the parallel." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2308 = UGC 3618 = MCG +08-13-037 = CGCG 234-037 = PGC 19949

06 58 37.6 +45 12 38

V = 13.2; Size 1.8'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 170d

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 2:1 N-S. Overpowered by 16 Lyncis (V = 4.9) located 9' SW in the field.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2308 = St VI-5 on 13 Jan 1872 with the 31" silvered-glass reflector at the Marseille Observatory. His position matches UGC 3618 = PGC 19949.

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NGC 2309 = Cr 122 = Mel 56 = OCL-557

06 56 04 -07 10 30

Size 3'

17.5" (1/1/92): three dozen stars mag 11-15, fairly rich, compact, 4' diameter. Most stars are located within two streams. The brighter stars in the southern stream are oriented E-W. A fainter star lane to north is oriented NW-SE. At the NW end it hooks NE to mag 9 SAO 133914 about 4' N of the cluster's center. Includes several close pairs with two pairs near the center and a double star 11/14 at 7" separation at the west end.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2309 = H VI-18 = h417 on 4 Mar 1785 (sweep 377) and logged "a cluster of considerably compressed small stars, pretty rich, 8 or 9' diameter, irr figure. With a smaller aperture it would probably appear nebulous." JH called it "a cluster, not v rich; 4' diam' irreg fig' st 12...13m." He observed it on 3 sweeps.

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NGC 2310 = ESO 309-007 = MCG -07-15-001 = PGC 19811

06 53 54.0 -40 51 45

V = 11.8; Size 4.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 47d

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x appears as a fairly faint, very thin edge-on splinter oriented SW-NE, 1.0'x0.15'. Contains a stellar nuclues. Situated in a fairly rich Puppis starfield. This edge-on galaxy has a "box-peanut" central bulge (similar to NGC 128), which is probably a thick bar viewed edge-on.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2310 = h3069 on 2 Jan 1835 and described "pB; vmE; pos 46.6°; psbM; 90" l; 10" br; in a field very full of small stars. His position and description is accurate.

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NGC 2311 = Cr 123 = OCL-553 = Lund 276

06 57 48 -04 36 42

Size 7'

18" (3/4/08): at 225x, ~40 stars are resolved in a fairly rich 5'x3' group, elongated NW-SE. The cluster includes a few pairs with a nice equal mag pair on the south side. A weak stream of stars trails off to the east from the SE end of the cluster towards a mag 9.8/10.4/13 triple at 3" and 9" (ADS 5636).

17.5" (1/1/92): three dozen stars mag 11-15 in 5'x2' region elongated ~N-S. Fairly rich though no dense spots. Most stars form a thin isosceles triangle with the vertex star mag 13 at the north end, although the brightest star is a wide double 2' ESE of the vertex. From the base of the triangle a stream heads SE and then east from the cluster mixing with some brighter field stars. The cluster includes a few close faint double stars.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2311 = H VIII-60 = h418 on 26 Nov 1786 (sweep 639) and described "a cluster of pL scattered stars, not very rich. The place taken is the most compressed part, but not the middle. May be a projecting point of the milky way." His position is is just northeast of center of this cluster.

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NGC 2312

06 58 48 +10 17 42

17.5" (2/1/03): stands out reasonably well in the field at 140x with ~16 stars, highlighted by a mag 10 star at the south end. The group is ~4'x1.5' in size, elongated N-S and includes a close, faint double on the NE end, which was noticed at 220x. Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2312 = h419 on 30 Nov 1834 and recorded a "A poor cluster. The largest *10 taken." His position corresponds with a mag 10 star at 06 58 50.0 +10 15 38 (J2000) with a scattering of mag 12 stars to the north . Karl Reimuth called this group a "loose clustering of pF st.", based on Heidelberg plates. The RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2313 = Parsamyan 17 = PP 18 = V565 Mon

06 58 02.8 -07 56 42

Size 1.6'

18" (2/3/05): at 225x this reflection nebula appears as a very faint, very small, low surface brightness glow surrounding a mag 14 illuminating star, ~15"-20" diameter. Situated within a rich Milky Way field which has a mottled appearance at low power. Located 20' NE of mag 6.3 HD 51424. Incorrectly listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2313 on 4 Jan 1862. His position (measured on 3 nights) matches this small reflection nebula. He also measured a mag 15 star that follows by 6 seconds of time and a mag 11 star that follows by 14 seconds. Dreyer, observing with the 72" on 15 Feb 1877, recorded "pF, pS, iR, fades away nf, 2 F st f about 1'." The RNGC misclassifies this object as nonexistent and it is not plotted on the Uranometria 2000.0 Atlas.

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NGC 2314 = UGC 3677 = MCG +13-06-003 = CGCG 348-032 = PGC 20305

07 10 32.6 +75 19 37

V = 12.2; Size 1.7'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 25d

17.5" (8/27/87): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, bright core, stellar nucleus. IC 2174 ("fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, weak concentration") lies 5.8' WNW

17.5" (2/27/87): moderately bright, fairly small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus. 25' to the west is a nice double ∑973 = 7.1/8.1 at 12". Forms a pair with IC 2174 6' WNW.

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2314 = T IX-5 on 1 Aug 1883 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory. His description says "follows close on the same parallel against the mag 7 star DM +75 ° 281, the latter is a double star". Although his rough RA is good (nearest min), the galaxy lies 6' N of the double star.

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NGC 2315 = UGC 3633 = MCG +08-13-045 = CGCG 234-041 = PGC 20045

07 02 33.0 +50 35 27

V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 116d

17.5" (1/20/90): faint, small, edge-on WNW-ESE, bright core. Located 4' S of mag 8.4 SAO 26113.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2315 = h420 on 16 Feb 1831 and simply noted "eF; doubtful." His RA was roughly 10 tsec too large. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 15 Nov 1885 (repeated in the IC2 Notes).

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NGC 2316 = Parsamyan 18 = PP 68

06 59 40.8 -07 46 40

Size 4'x3'

13.1" (2/25/84): moderately bright nebulosity, small, possibly surrounds two stars. Located just 1' S is an obtuse triangle of mag 12 stars. Enhanced with a Deep Sky filter.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2316 = H II-304 = h421 on 4 Mar 1785 (sweep 377) and noted "3 or 4 stars, containing vF nebulosity. 240 would not resolve it; but showed the same nebulosity." Bindon Stoney observed it on 20 Feb 1851 using Lord Rosse's 72" and called it a "S close D neb, below 3 st, 2 stellar points (or nuclei)." The 3 stars are just south. The second nuclei received the designations GC 1478 = NGC 2317. Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position (#76 in AN 1500).

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NGC 2317

06 59 41.5 -07 46 29

13.1" (2/25/84): part of NGC 2316. See NGC 2316 for description.

Bindon Stoney discovered NGC 2317 on Feb 20 1851 using Lord Rosse's 72" and recorded NGC 2316 = H II-304 as a "S close D neb, below 3 st, 2 stellar points (or nuclei)." The nebula was sketched on Nov 23 1851 and included in LdR's 1861 publication. The RA is is only roughly given in the GC and the NGC (nearest min of RA). The RNGC misclassifies this number as nonexistent although NGC 2317 is part of NGC 2316.

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NGC 2318

06 59 27 -13 41 54

17.5" (2/1/03): this is just a weak enhancement of mag 11-13 stars in a Milky Way field, perhaps only noticed by Herschel because of the mag 8.2 SAO 152208 on the NW side (which he used as a position). Seems roughly 10' in size and circular, although there are no real borders. Does not stand out in the field, even at 64x with a 31 Nagler, although the background Milky Way glow does seem a bit enhanced over the surrounding field. Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2318 = H VII-14 = h422 = h3070 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 370) and logged "a cluster of stars above 20' in dia, the stars much scattered." JH observed the group both at Slough, England and at the Cape of Good Hope. At the Cape he described "A large region full of scattered stars forming a cluster of which the chief (=8 m) taken. It seems, however to be only a clustering part of the milky way which here comes on rather suddenly." His position corresponds with mag 8.6 SAO 152208 at 06 59 28.4 -13 41 49 (J2000). RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2319

07 00 32 +03 02 48

17.5" (2/1/03): very nice 15' string of a couple dozen stars heading west of a mag 8.9 SAO 114784 on the east end, which is a close unequal double. The tail of stars is slightly concave to the south and is marked by a mag 10.5 star at the west end. Although the star chain is quite noticeable, it could well be an asterism as there are other similar strings of stars in the same or adjacent fields. Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

William Herschel possibly discovered NGC 2319 on 18 Dec 1783 (early sweep 48) and noted "a cluster of vS stars not very rich." He states this cluster follows 18 Mon by 11 minutes, but only gave a rough polar distance (75' range). It was assigned the internal discovery #12, but not an H-designation.

JH rediscovered NGC 2319 = h423 in March 1830 (unknown if he was searching for his father's #12) and recorded a "Linear cluster of stars 11..13m forming a bent line nearly 15' long, terminating on the following side by a *8 whose place is that here taken." His position corresponds with mag 8.8 SAO 114784 at 07 01 06.5 +03 03 11. The "bent line" of stars preceding is oriented WNW-ESE and is fairly striking. JH equated h423 with his father's #12, but identified it as VIII-1 (the previous class VIII object discovered by his father). In the GC, he referred to it as VIII-1B. In the 1912 revision of WH's catalogues, Dreyer gives the details of the sweep. Steinicke equates VIII-1B = h423, though this identification is likely uncertain. The RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (probably an asterism).

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NGC 2320 = UGC 3659 = MCG +08-13-051 = CGCG 234-047 = PGC 20136

07 05 42.0 +50 34 51

V = 11.9; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 140d

17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, small, spindle NW-SE, weak concentration. Located 1.7' WSW of mag 9.0 SAO 26147. Brightest of three with NGC 2322 5' SE and NGC 2321 11' NNE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2320 = H II-861 = h424, along with NGC 2322, on 28 Dec 1790 (sweep 990) and noted "pB, pL, irr figure, gbM." His position is 3 - 4' northwest of UGC 3659 (same offset as NGC 2322). JH described this galaxy as "pB; R; pgbM; 15"; np a * 8m whose place is that here taken." The star is 1.6' NE of the galaxy.

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NGC 2321 = UGC 3663 = MCG +08-13-053 = CGCG 234-051 = PGC 20141

07 05 59.0 +50 45 22

V = 13.6; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 135d

17.5" (1/20/90): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, low even surface brightness. NGC 2320 lies 11' SSW.

George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 2321 on 18 Dec 1849 using LdR's 72" and labeled Beta in the sketch of the field (includes NGC 2320, 2322 and 2326). Although this was an early discovery, it was not included in the 1861 publication so did not receive a GC designation. Dreyer added it in the GC Supplement (GCS 6248). Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 15 Nov 1885 (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 2322 = UGC 3662 = MCG +08-13-054 = CGCG 234-050 = PGC 20142

07 06 00.3 +50 30 37

V = 13.8; Size 1.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 136d

17.5" (1/20/90): faint, small, elongated NW-SE, even surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 2320 5' NW.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2322 = H III-874, along with NGC 2320 = H II-861, on 28 Dec 1790 (sweep 990) and noted "vF, vS, lE." His position (Auwer's reduction) is 2.5' too far northwest, the same offset as NGC 2320. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 15 Nov 1885 (repeated in the IC2 Notes).

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NGC 2323 = M50 = Cr 124

07 02 48 -08 22 36

V = 5.9; Size 16'

18" (3/15/10): very bright, fairly scattered cluster, though contains a richer subgroup. About 125-150 stars were resolved at 175x in the central 10'-12'. The cluster has roughly a triangular or wedge-shaped outline, highlighted by an 8' string of stars oriented ~E-W on the north side (including mag 9.0 HD 52965) and a longer 10' string oriented NW-SE on the SW side that includes the brightest cluster star - distinctly orange mag 7.8 HD 52938 near the SE end of the string. Along this string are also four easy pairs of stars. There is a rich circular group of stars, ~5' diameter, a little north of center. On the east side of the cluster is an unequal double, h748 = 8.5/11 at 15". A faint, unequal pair of stars, BRT 392 = 11.5/11.6 at 4", is due west of the unequal pair by 3.5' at the edge of the rich group of stars. A number of stragglers extend out the cluster increasing the size significantly and a scattered group with some brighter stars including mag 9.0 HD 52720 appears detached to the NW.

13.1" (3/24/84): ~75 stars including some brighter stars at the south and northeast borders. There are a few dense spots and many stragglers. An orange/red mag 8 star is at the south edge and a nice 16" pair of mag 9/11 stars (h748) is 1' NW. There is an elongated 4'x3' region that is devoid of stars just north of the colored mag 8 star. Located 42' E of mag 6.0 HD 52312.

Giovanni Domenico Cassini possibly discovered M50 = NGC 2323 = h425 around 1711. Charles Messier independently discovered the cluster on 5 Apr 1772. WH described the cluster (unpublished) on 4 Mar 1785 (sweep 377) as "a very brilliant cluster of large stars, considerably compressed and rich, above 20' in diameter, the stars of various sizes, visible in the finder."

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NGC 2324 = Cr 125 = Mel 59 = OCL-542

07 04 08 +01 02 42

V = 8.4; Size 8'

17.5" (3/20/93: 65 stars mag 10-14 in very irregular 8' diameter. Includes two mag 10 stars at the NE corner and NW side. Includes several mag 12 stars but rich in mag 13-14 stars. Somewhat uneven distribution of very faint stars due to a couple of 2' diameter dark voids; one near the center. The cluster includes several very close, faint double stars.

8": rich in faint stars 12-13, includes two mag 9 stars.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2324 = H VII-38 = h427 on 27 Dec 1786 (sweep 668) and noted "a beautiful cluster of small stars of several sizes, considerably compressed and rich in the middle, 10 or 12' diameter." JH observed the cluster on 3 sweeps, first logging it as a "rich L cl; fills field; st 14...16m; not comp towards a centre."

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NGC 2325 = ESO 427-028 = MCG -05-17-005 = PGC 20047

07 02 40.3 -28 41 50

V = 11.4; Size 3.3'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 6d

13.1" (3/3/84): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated N-S. A mag 12 star is off the SE edge 1.6' from center. Located in a rich star field.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2325 = h3071 on 1 Feb 1837 and recorded "pB; pL; lE; gbM; r; 2' long." His position (single sweep) matches ESO 427-028 = PGC 20047.

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NGC 2326 = UGC 3681 = MCG +08-13-062 = CGCG 234-060 = PGC 20218

07 08 11.0 +50 40 55

V = 13.1; Size 1.9'x1.8'; Surf Br = 14.3

17.5" (1/20/90): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, bright core. Four mag 12-12.5 stars in a group lie 3' W. Forms a pair with NGC 2326A 5' SE. Poor position given in the RNGC.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2326 = H II-734 = h426 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815) and recorded "F, pL, iF, mbM, S.f. a triangle of small stars." His position is 2' north of UGC 3681 = PGC 20218 and the description applies. JH called it "eF; R; pslbM; has a small group of stars immediately preceding like the letter Y."

The RNGC has a poor position 0.3 tmin of RA too far east and 3' north. NGC 2326A, located just 4.8' SE, is correctly placed in RNGC. Listed in RNGC Corrections #5.

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NGC 2327 = Ced 89b = PP 72

07 04 07.2 -11 18 51

18" (2/23/06): moderately bright, 1' reflection nebula surrounding a mag 9.5 star with a mag 12 companion at 7". Viewed unfiltered at 225x.

17.5" (3/8/02): small but high surface brightness reflection nebula surrounding an unequal pair of mag 9.5/12.5 stars at 7" separation. At 280x, the nebulosity is round and approximately 50" in size although it fades smoothly into the background and may be a bit larger. This small knot of nebulosity is at the western end of a striking arc of 6 stars which trail off to the NE. The next star in the arc, 1.5' E, also seems to be encased in a very small halo. A similar mag 9.5 comparison star (with no halo) lies 4' ESE and several other mag 9.5-10.5 stars are scattered across the field. The background sky in this vicinity is weakly luminous, as NGC 2327 is situated midway along the western side of IC 2177, a huge IC strip of nebulosity straddling Canis Major and Monoceros. This object did not respond to OIII, UHC or H-beta filters so appears to be predominantly a reflection nebula.

This bright nebula was discovered by William Herschel (IV 25) in 1785 and reobserved by his son, John. Although their positions and descriptions match this object there is a great deal of confusion in the literature as to its identification and position and some sources misidentify NGC 2327 with the much larger Sh 2-292 = Gum 1 located 50' to the north (also associated with IC 2177).

13" (12/22/84): fairly faint reflection nebula, fairly small, surrounds a mag 8 star (close unequal double). Located along the faint, extremely large, curving strip of nebulosity = IC 2177.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2327 = H IV-25 = h428 on 31 Jan 1785 (sweep 363) and described "A pretty considerable star with vF and vS milky chevelure of an irregular chevelure, other stars of the same size are perfectly free from that appearance." JH reported "a double star whose large star is in the center of a very faint nebula which involves the small star also." His position of 07 04 07.6 -11 19.0 pins down the identification as a compact HII/Reflection nebula on the west side of the Seagull Nebula. In 1886, Engelhardt also published an accurate micrometric position of 07 04 07.77 -11 18 56.6 (J2000). Herbert Howe noted the central star is double with separation 7".

Despite JH's accurate position and description, there has been a great deal of confusion in the literature as to the identification and position.

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NGC 2328 = ESO 309-016 = MCG -07-15-002 = PGC 20046

07 02 36.1 -42 04 06

V = 12.8; Size 1.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 115d

18" (2/19/09): at 175x appeared very faint, small, round, 20" diameter (probably viewed brighter core region only). Steadily visible with direct vision though viewed at a very low elevation, so the surface brightness of the core is moderately high. Starhopped from mag 5.2 HD 53704 located 23' SE. Steadily visible with direct vision though viewed at a very low elevation, so the surface brightness of the core is moderately high. Located in a fairly rich star field.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2328 = h3072 on 1 Jan 1835 and recorded "F; vS; R; pslbM; 15"; like a blotted star; in field with many small stars." His position (measured on two sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 2329 = UGC 3695 = MCG +08-13-073 = CGCG 234-070 = PGC 20254

07 09 08.0 +48 36 55

V = 12.5; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 175d

18" (1/13/07): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 0.8'x0.5', small bright core. Brightest in the core of AGC 569 including UGC 3696, MCG +08-13-072 and +08-13-082.

18" (11/18/06): moderately bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 N-S, 1.2'x0.9', contains a large, brighter core. This galaxy and UGC 3696, located 2.8' NE, are the brightest member of AGC 569. I observed 7 members of the cluster at 280x.

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, bright core. A mag 15 star is 0.7' W of center. Three mag 14 stars lie 1.7' W, 1.3' NE and 2.0' NE. Forms a pair with UGC 3696 3' ENE. Brightest member of AGC 569.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2329 = H II-735 = h429 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815) and called "F, stellar." His position is 3' east of UGC 3695, the brightest galaxy in AGC 569. He observed the field again on 28 Dec 1790 (sweep 990) and picked up two galaxies -- NGC 2329 and UGC 3696, oriented southwest-northeast (12 sec of time and 2' north). CH assumed the southwest object was new and assigned it III-875. She thought the northeast object was II-735, so it didn't receive a new designation. JH only observed a single galaxy and in the GC equated II-735 = III-875 and Dreyer assigned both designations to NGC 2329. Since WH clearly observed both galaxies on 28 Dec 1790, Wolfgang Steinicke concludes III-875 should refer to UGC 3696, a galaxy that should have received a NGC designation.

Although usually classified as a Lenticular Galaxy, recent studies have concluded NGC 2329 is a 'cluster dominant' Elliptical Galaxy (cD). It is an x-ray source with a radio jet streaming from its core, like many other cD's. In addition that is also a 'radio tail' extending from this galaxy.

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NGC 2330 = IC 457? = MCG +08-13-078 = CGCG 234-074 = WBL 133-001 = PGC 20272

07 09 28.4 +50 09 08

V = 14.7; Size 0.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.2

17.5" (1/20/90): extremely faint and small, round. A mag 15 star is 1' NE. Located 2' SW of NGC 2332. This galaxy is identified as IC 457 in the CGCG and UGC.

Bindon Stoney discovered NGC 2330 on 2 Jan 1851as the observing assistant on Lord Rosse's 72". He noted a small nebula, labeled "b" on the published diagram, and placed it SSW of NGC 2332 (the direction of drift is reversed on the sketch). At this position is CGCG 234-074 = PGC 20272. This galaxy was also labeled Delta on the final constructed sketch.

Although 9 nebulae were found at Birr Castle over 3 nights, the 1861 publication only included the comment "several knots around" NGC 2332. JH added just one new entry in the GC (1492), which Dreyer assigned to either NGC 2330 and NGC 2334 (with question marks).

Since absolute positions were not computed at Birr Castle, Dreyer relied on Bigourdan's erroneous position (he measured a faint star) for NGC 2330. As a result NGC 2330 was misplaced 2.4' north of NGC 2332 instead of south-southwest (as on the 1851 sketch). In 1893, Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position and Dreyer catalogued it as IC 457. Assuming this is the nebula Dreyer had in mind as NGC 2330 (Malcolm Thomson disagrees), then NGC 2330 = IC 457 = CGCG 234-074. Ironically, Bigourdan measured accurate positions for the other Rosse nebulae in 1885, but these were not published until 1919, so Kobold (and LdR) were given credit for these in the IC.

The RNGC reverses the identifications of NGC 2330 and NGC 2332, making NGC 2330 the brighter northern member of the pair and incorrectly describes NGC 2332 as "almstel" (same error in MCG). UGC and CGCG label NGC 2330 as IC 457. See RNGC Corrections #5 and Corwin's notes for much more on this complicated story!

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NGC 2331 = Cr 126 = OCL-475 = Lund 295

07 07 00 +27 15 42

Size 18'

17.5" (1/20/90): at 82x, very large scattered group of about 40 stars mag 10-14, 15' diameter. There is a small circle of 6 stars at the east end. The classification of this group as a true cluster is doubtful.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2331 = H VIII-40 = h432 on 11 Mar 1785 (sweep 384) and recorded "some clustering, large scattered stars; many of an equal size." JH noted this as "a small cluster of 10 or a doze st 11...13m in an ellipse."

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NGC 2332 = (R)NGC 2330 = UGC 3699 = MCG +08-13-079 = CGCG 234-075 = WBL 133-002 = PGC 20276

07 09 34.2 +50 10 56

V = 12.8; Size 1.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 60d

17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 15 star is 1' SW. Forms a pair with NGC 2330 = IC 457 2' SW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2332 = h430 on 8 Mar 1831 and recorded "F; S; R psbM; 12"." His position matches UGC 3699 = PGC 20276. JH and Dreyer equated this number with H II-862, found on 28 Dec 1790 and noted as "F, pL." In the 1912 republication of WH's catalogues, Dreyer added the note "Identification difficult, as it is one of a group. In Sweep 990, 57 Aurigae is the only comparison star and the neb. is 2 seconds preceding, 2' north of II.736. Auwers gives for 1860 7h 0m 8s, 39° 37' (NPD). It is probably one of Kobold's nebulae in the I.C." Auwers' reduced position is 3' SW of NGC 2340 and Harold Corwin suggests that both H II-862 and H II-736 apply to NGC 2340. Nearby NGC 2332 was discovered at Birr Castle in 1851.

The identications of NGC 2330 and NGC 2332 are reversed in the RNGC and MCG.

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NGC 2333 = UGC 3689 = MCG +06-16-020 = CGCG 176-018 = PGC 20223

07 08 21.3 +35 10 12

V = 13.3; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 35d

17.5" (2/8/91): faint, very small, sharp stellar nucleus surrounded by faint oval halo 3:2 ~N-S.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2333 = H III-899 = h431 on 4 Feb 1793 (sweep 1031) and noted "vF, S, nearly R, bM."

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NGC 2334 = IC 465 = MCG +08-13-098 = CGCG 234-095 = WBL 133-012 = PGC 20357

07 11 33.6 +50 14 53

V = 13.6; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 70d

18" (12/18/06): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.5'x0.4', gradually increases to a very small, brighter core. Furthest NE in a group of 7 galaxies in the field and 5.8' NE of the brightest member, NGC 2340. This galaxy is generally identified as IC 465 as the NGC identification is questionable.

17.5" (1/20/90): faint, small, round, bright core. Last of four galaxies in a 20' field and located 5.8' NE of NGC 2340. Identification as NGC 2334 is uncertain.

Bindon Stoney discovered NGC 2334 on 2 Jan 1851 as the observing assistant on LdR's 72". He noted a small nebula (unlabeled on a sketch of h433 = NGC 2340), which was noted as 6' south-following NGC 2340. Unfortunately the direction of drift was confused as CGCG 234-095 = PGC 20357 is 6' north-following NGC 2340. This galaxy was also labeled Theta on the final constructed sketch.

Although 9 nebulae were found at Birr Castle on 3 nights, the 1861 publication only included the comment "several knots around" NGC 2332. JH added just one new entry in the GC (GC 1492), which Dreyer assigned to either NGC 2330 and NGC 2334 (with question marks) and the additional Rosse nebulae were not included in the NGC.

Since absolute positions weren't computed at Birr Castle, Dreyer relied on Bigourdan's erroneous position for NGC 2334 (he measured a faint star 3' ENE of NGC 2332). In 1893, Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position for Stoney's nebula and Dreyer recatalogued it as IC 465. So, NGC 2334 = IC 465. Ironically, Bigourdan measured accurate positions for the other Rosse nebulae in 1885, but these were not published until 1919, so Kobold (and LdR) were given credit in the IC. Karl Reinmuth couldn't find NGC 2334 (at Bigourdan's position) and noted "in Dreyer's place not found, = IC 464?"

The question remains if IC 465 is the galaxy Dreyer meant as NGC 2334. Dreyer credits both Rosse and Kobold in the IC, so this seems probable, although Malcolm Thomson disagrees. MCG, CGCG, PGC, SIMBAD all label this galaxy as IC 465 and not NGC 2334. NED and HyperLeda give the equivalence. See Corwin's identification notes for more on this complicated situation.

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NGC 2335 = Cr 127 = Mel 60 = OCL-562

07 06 49 -10 01 42

V = 7.2; Size 12'

18" (2/23/06): at 225x, ~75 stars are resolved in a 10'x5' region elongated N-S. The cluster is broken up by a circular void on the south side that extends to the west in a dark (dust) lane. Also an elongated rectangular-shaped void of stars is on the north side of the cluster. The brightest cluster star is on the northeast side and is part of a "keystone" asterism that mimics the shape of the main body of Hercules. A mag 7 star lies 10' ENE outside the borders of the cluster. The Milky Way background is very patchy in this vicinity and appears significantly affected by dust in the region and possible nebulosity. This affect is best seen at 115x (20 Nagler). Located just north of IC 2177 = Seagull Nebul, an extremely long N-S string of nebulosity.

17.5" (3/20/93): 50-60 stars mag 10.5-14 in a 10' diameter. Mag 6.9 SAO 134220 is 10' NE of the core. In the center is a 1' parallelogram formed by four mag 10.5-12 stars with parallel sides oriented E-W and NW-SE. There are no dense areas (overall has a fairly scattered appearance) although the cluster includes several subgroups. A wide mag 12 double is on the north side. Located at the north tip of the huge emission nebula IC 2177.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2335 = H VIII-32 on 10 Jan 1785 (sweep 356) and reported "a cluster of coarsely scattered stars of many sizes, pretty rich, more than 15' diameter." His position is on the west side of this open cluster.

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NGC 2336 = UGC 3809 = MCG +13-06-006 = CGCG 348-034 = CGCG 349-004 = PGC 21033

07 27 03.8 +80 10 43

V = 10.4; Size 7.1'x3.9'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 178d

17.5" (8/27/87): fairly bright, fairly large, bright core, faint halo elongated N-S. A mag 15 star is superimposed just east of the core. Located 3.6' SSE of a mag 10 star. IC 467 lies 20' SSE. A mag 14.7 supernova discovered in 1987 by Dana Patchick was observed (1987L).

17.5" (2/22/87): fairly bright, small bright core surrounded by a large, diffuse halo elongated 2:1 N-S. Located 26' S of a mag 7.3 star.

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2336 = T I-22 in 1876 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and described a "beautiful II class nebula, R, lbM, 2' diameter, forms a triangle with two mag 10-11 stars." Tempel's very rough position (only the hour of RA is given!) is off by 2.5 tmin of RA (west) and 3' dec (north) and the two stars in the description are just north.

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NGC 2337 = UGC 3711 = MCG +07-15-010 = CGCG 205-023 = PGC 20298

07 10 13.6 +44 27 26

V = 12.5; Size 2.2'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 120d

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ENE, even surface brightness. Bracketed by a mag 14 star 1.1' SW and a mag 13.5 star 1.3' ENE.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2337 = St VIIIb-19 on 17 Jan 1877 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory. His position matches UGC 3711 = PGC 20298.

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NGC 2338

07 07 47 -05 43 12

17.5" (2/3/03): roughly 3 dozen stars in an elongated N-S group, ~8'x3'. Includes a few mag 11 stars, with the rest of stars mag 12-14. Just stands out at 100x as a weak field enhancement and detached enough in the field that a definite border can be traced out. Still this is probably just an unrelated group of stars and NGC 2338 is listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2338 = h435 on 19 Jan 1828 and noted a "Very loose and straggling cluster." There is nothing noticeable at JH's (uncertain) position. In 1926, Karl Reinmuth noted (based on Heidelberg plates) "many st, but nothing like a cluster." and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7). Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 2338 is a group of stars ~50 tsec of RA east and 5' south of his position. If a similar offset is applied to NGC 2299 (found by JH on the same sweep), it matches NGC 2302, so this error is quite plausible.

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NGC 2339 = UGC 3693 = MCG +03-19-002 = CGCG 085-040 = CGCG 086-005 = PGC 20222

07 08 20.5 +18 46 49

V = 11.8; Size 2.7'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 175d

13.1" (1/18/85): fairly faint, nearly round, very weak concentration, low surface brightness. A mag 13.5 star is superimposed at the east edge 30" from center.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2339 = H II-769 = h434 on 22 Feb 1789 (sweep 906) and recorded it as "pB, pL, iR, easily resolvable, bM.". His position is 16 sec of RA east of UGC 3693. JH called it "pB, pL, R, glbM, 40". In a rich part of the heavens." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 2340 = UGC 3720 = MCG +08-13-096 = CGCG 234-091 = WBL 133-010 = PGC 20338

07 11 10.8 +50 10 28

V = 11.7; Size 1.8'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 80d

18" (12/18/06): moderately bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 WSW-ENE, 1.5'x1.0', large bright core increases gradually to the center. A mag 12 star lies 1.7' NW. Brightest in a group of 12 galaxies (WBL 133) incuding IC 464 2.5' SSW. Beyond IC 464 a string of stars continues to the SSW.

17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated E-W, bright core. Brightest of four in the field with IC 458, IC 464 and IC 465 = NGC 2334? Two mag 12 stars lie 1.7' NW and 2.4' WNW of center.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2340 = H II-736 = h433 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815) and called "pF, vS, lbM, resolvable." His position (CH's reduction) is just off the east edge of the galaxy. Harold Corwin concludes that H II-862 (found on sweep 990, 28 Dec 1890), although equated with NGC 2332 = h430, is actually a duplicate observation of this galaxy. JH described this object as "pB; pL; R; gbM; 25"; two small stars preceding." and measured a more accurate position.

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NGC 2341 = UGC 3708 = MCG +03-19-003 = CGCG 086-006 = Holm 86b = PGC 20259

07 09 12.1 +20 36 10

V = 13.2; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.6

17.5" (1/20/90): faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W. A mag 13.5 star is 0.7' N. Forms a pair with NGC 2342 2.5' NNE.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2341 = m 100 (along with NGC 2342 = m 101) on 10 Nov 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta. His position matches UGC 3708 = PGC 20259.

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NGC 2342 = UGC 3709 = MCG +03-19-004 = CGCG 086-007 = Holm 86a = PGC 20265

07 09 18.1 +20 38 11

V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 126d

17.5" (1/20/90): moderately bright, moderately large, irregularly round, slightly elongated SW-NE, slightly brighter along major axis but no core. Forms a pair with NGC 2341 2.5' WSW.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2342 = m 101 (along with NGC 2341 = m 100) on 10 Nov 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta. His position matches UGC 3709 = PGC 20265.

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NGC 2343 = Cr 128 = OCL-565

07 08 07 -10 37 00

V = 6.7; Size 7'

18" (2/23/06): at 225x, three dozen stars are resolved in a fairly scattered, but well-detached 5' group. The brightest star at the southeast end is a wide double (∑1028) with a mag 8.8 yellow primary and a mag 11 bluish secondary at 11". The stars are arranged in long winding strings with a couple of offshoots. There are no dense areas and the strings appear to wrap around regions devoid of stars. Located off the northeast end of IC 2177. Two ill-defined groups, Cr 465 and Cr 466, lie ~20' to the west (see notes).

17.5" (3/20/93): two dozen stars mag 8-13 in compact 5' diameter. The cluster has a distinctive boxy shape but is not rich. Includes an unequal double star ∑1028 = 8.8/11.1 at 11" at the east side. Stars are arranged in small subgroups with no central concentration, well detached in field. Located off the NE end of the huge, strip of nebulosity IC 2177.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2343 = H VIII-33 on 10 Jan 1785 (sweep 356) and called it "a cluster of scattered large stars, not so extensive as the last [NGC 2335], nor so rich." His position is just off the southeast side of the cluster.

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NGC 2344 = UGC 3734 = MCG +08-13-103 = CGCG 234-100 = PGC 20395

07 12 28.7 +47 10 00

V = 12.0; Size 1.7'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.0

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, fairly small, round, broad mild concentration, faint stellar nucleus, edges fade smoothly into background.

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2344 = Sw VI-30 on 24 Nov 1886. His position is 16 sec of RA west and 81" north of UGC 3734 = PGC 20395 and his description "pB, pS, R" applies. Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position at the Strassburg Observatory in 1893.

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NGC 2345 = Cr 129 = Mel 61 = OCL-575

07 08 19 -13 11 36

V = 7.7; Size 12'

17.5" (3/20/93): 50 stars mag 9-14 in 10'x8' region elongated SW-NE. Fairly rich in faint stars. Includes the pretty double h3930 = 9.7/10.6 at 15" on the north side. Near the center is a small clump of about 8 stars including an unequal triple star. Located midway between mag 8 SAO 152444 6' NNE and a mag 9.5 star 6' S.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2345 = h3073 on 14 Feb 1836 and recorded "a pretty rich cluster; irregular fig; 7' diam; gbM; stars 10..14 m; place that of a double star, the chief *." His position corresponds with HJ 3930 = 9.7/10.6 at 15".

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NGC 2346 = PK 215+3.1 = PN G215.6+03.6

07 09 22.5 -00 48 23

V = 11.9; Size 60"x50"

17.5" (2/2/02): easily picked up at 100x as a fairly small, round halo surrounding a bright mag 11.5 star. Nice view at 280x and 380x. The halo is irregularly round, ~50"x45" with a slightly uneven surface brightness and it appears a bit thinner or pinched on the NW side. Modest contrast gain with a UHC filter at 100x-280x, although this object does not require a filter.

13" (1/11/86): bright mag 11.5 central star surrounded by fairly small, round disc. Located between two mag 13 stars 0.8' E and 1.2' W. View enhanced with Daystar 300 filter. Central star is the variable V651 Mon (mag 11.3-13.5).

William Herschel discovered NGC 2346 = H IV-65 on 5 Mar 1790 (sweep 935) and recorded "a pretty considerable star, 9 or 10m, visibly affected with vF nebulosity, of very little extent all around. A power of 300 shewed the same, but gave a little more extent to the nebulosity. The 22d Monocerotis was quite free from nebulosity." CH's reduced position is 1° too far south, but a note was added on the sweep there may be an error of 1°, due to a confusion on the polar distance.

Dreyer observed the PN on 14 Feb 1877 with the 72" at Birr Castle and reported "*9 mag seems nebulous, especially on the n or np side. At last we agreed that it was nebulous all round. About 4' sp is a reddish *10 with a white-bluish *11 1' south. The nebulous star has a bluish tint."

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NGC 2347 = IC 2179? = UGC 3759 = MCG +11-09-039 = CGCG 309-026 = PGC 20539

07 16 04.0 +64 42 41

V = 12.5; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 175d

13.1" (1/11/86): fairly faint, fairly small, bright core, slightly elongated N-S, diffuse. Located 4' S of mag 7.3 SAO 14129. A mag 10 star lies 5.2' NE. Forms a wide pair with IC 2179 = UGC 3750 13' N.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2347 = H III-746 on 1 Nov 1788 (sweep 879) and recorded, "vF, S, R lbM." His position, based on Auwers' reduction, is 3.3' N of UGC 3759. The GC/NGC position (from John Herschel) is 5.7' NNE of UGC 3759. Finally, Harold Corwin reduced the offsets given in Dreyer's 1912 revision of Herschel's catalogues and that position is 18' NNE of UGC 3759 -- and 9' NE of UGC 3750, the galaxy generally identified as IC 2179.

Bigourdan later observed this field in 1894 and 1900. His position for B. 267 = IC 2179 in Comptes Rendus is 07 15 33 +64 57 (2000), which is an excellent match for UGC 3750. CGCG, UGC, MOL, DSFG, RC3, PGC and U2000 all label this galaxy as IC 2179. But, Bigourdan's listing in his complete Observations, etc. for B. 267 corresponds with UGC 3759, the galaxy identified as NGC 2347 in modern catalogues and his listing for NGC 2347 matches UGC 3750 (Corwin notes an error in his identification of the reference star). So, Bigourdan reverses the modern identifications.

The question still remains - which of these two galaxies is WH's III-746? See Corwin's identification notes for more on this story (also analyzed by Malcolm Thomson).

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NGC 2348 = ESO 088-SC1

07 03 03 -67 23 36

Size 11'

25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x; bright, distinctive group of stars appears fully resolved, ~10' diameter, ~35 stars mag 10-14. A bright mag 9.9 star (HD 54266) near the center is surrounded by some starless areas. Includes some wide pairs, including a ~36" pair of 12th mag stars on the east side, but no dense regions. The group (or cluster) is fairly well defined and detached in the wider field and the outline is roughly circular. A 4' string of stars ~E-W appears detached off the southeast side.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2348 = h3074 on 31 Jan 1835 and recorded as a "Coarse loose cluster of about 30 stars, many 11m, one 10m taken." His position corresponds with a mag 10 star in the center of an 8' circular cluster or group.

RNGC calls this "an unverified southern cluster" and neither Lynga, ESO or WEBDA has a listing for this object. Bica et al includes NGC 2348 in a 2001 paper on "Dissolving star cluster candidates"

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NGC 2349

07 10 48 -08 36

17.5" (2/3/03): group of ~30 stars, elongated SW-NE, ~8'x3'. Stands out reasonably well in the field an over background haze but is probably just an asterism. Most stars are 12-14th magnitude. This group is ~11' following John Herschel's position, but the star density is richer on this group. Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

Caroline Herschel discovered NGC 2349 = H VII-27 = h436 on 4 Mar 1783. Three years later on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 529), WH recorded "An irregular cluster of extremely small stars, considerably compressed, 9 or 10' l, 4 or 5' b with an extending branch towards sp." Close to his position (Auwers' reduction) is the group of stars described in my observation. JH recorded "a poor straggling cl, place of a D*", but his position is 1 min of RA too far west and corresponds with a mag 10/11.5 at 30" separation that is not involved in any clustering. Unfortunately JH used his own position in the GC and it was repeated by Dreyer in the NGC.

Based on Heidelberg plates, Karl Reinmuth noted "many st in a dense region, very little clustering." RNGC classifies the number nonexistent (Type 7). See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 2350 = UGC 3747 = MCG +02-19-001 = CGCG 057-005 = PGC 20416

07 13 12.2 +12 15 58

V = 12.3; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 110d

17.5" (1/19/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, bright core. Several mag 14 stars are near including one 1' SE of core. A nice double star (mag 10/10 at 20" separation) lies 10' NNE.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2350 = St VI-6 on 18 Sep 1871 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory. His position matches UGC 3747 = PGC 20416.

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NGC 2351

07 13 29 -11 29 12

=Not found, Gottlieb. Possibly a scattered group around two stars, wrong dec in NGC, Corwin.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2351 = h437 on 9 Mar 1828 and noted as "A loose straggling cluster, place of double star." There is nothing at his position and even the double star doesn't seem to be there. Exactly 1 degree north is a mag 9.4/12 double star at 12" separation with two mag 9/10.9 stars 1' NW and 1' SW. But there is no obvious clustering here on the POSS. Alister Ling questions if this object is a duplicate of NGC 2353 (20' further NE) which was not recorded separately by JH. But this cluster includes a prominent mag 6.0 star that would probably be chosen as the position. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent. See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 2352 = ESO 492-**5

07 13 05 -24 02 48

17.5" (3/8/97): at 82x there is no obvious cluster at this position, although there are about a dozen mag 12/13 stars in a 7' string ~N-S, roughly centered on a mag 11.5 star at 07 13.1 -24 03. At 220x, several fainter stars are visible increasing the total to ~20 stars and it stands out a little better. The stars in the N-S string are arranged in "seagull wings" concave to the west. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2352 = H VII-15 on 6 Mar 1785 (sweep 381) and called "A small cluster of pretty compressed stars, not very rich." There is nothing at his position, but 40 sec of RA west is string of stars oriented N-S. Howe also "saw nothing noteworthy in the place given for this cluster, except that the whole background contains myriads of minute stars, on the limit of vision." RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2353 = Cr 130 = Mel 62 = OCL-567

07 14 30 -10 16 00

V = 7.1; Size 20'

17.5" (3/20/93): over 100 stars mag 6-13 in a 20' diameter, requires 100x (20mm Nagler) for best view. Richest around mag 6 SAO 152598 on the south side where 50 stars are in a 8' rectangular outline. A bright double star ∑1052 = 9.1/9.3 at 20" is located just 2' NE of the mag 6 star and two mag 9 stars are at the NW and NE corners of this subgroup. Surrounding this group is a dark ring devoid of stars and then beyond is a fairly rich outer annulus including several mag 9-10 stars.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2353 = H VIII-34 on 10 Jan 1785 (sweep 356) and noted "an extensive scattered cluster contains a very bright star."

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NGC 2354 = Cr 131 = ESO 492-SC006

07 14 15 -25 41 36

V = 6.5; Size 20'

17.5" (3/12/94): ~100 stars in a 20' diameter, circular outline, fairly uniform in magnitudes. There are no prominent subgroups or individual stars but the cluster is fairly detached in the field at 100x. Unconcentrated with a 9'x3' void or dark lane in the center elongated N-S. A double star with components 11.5/12.5 at 14" separation is just following the dark lane towards the south end.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2354 = H VII-16 = h438 on 6 Mar 1785 (sweep 381) and called it "a large cluster of scattered stars, considerably rich, about 20' in diameter or more." His position matches this cluster. JH recorded a "loose straggling cl; the preceding part is rather separated from the following, and more comp. Place that of 3 stars in the following part."

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NGC 2355 = NGC 2356? = Cr 133 = Mel 63 = OCL-496

07 16 59 +13 45 00

Size 9'

18" (3/15/10): fairly rich group with ~70 stars in an 8'-9' diameter group, with the richest portion in the central 4'. On the north side of the central region is a 13" pair of mag 11/12 stars with a mag 13 star 16" S forming an easy triple. The stars are pretty evenly distributed and many are similar magnitudes, though a number appear to be arranged in strings that extend out radially from the center. The brightest member is a mag 10 star on the SE side. The cluster shares the field with mag 8.3 HD 56329 located 7' NNE.

18" (2/23/06): rich cluster at 257x with ~75 stars in an 8' irregular group. Very rich in a 2.5' central "core" with the brightest mag 10 star just SE of this core. The outline is marked by rows of stars giving a triangular outline. Mag 8 HD 56329 lies 7' NE of the cluster.

13.1" (1/18/85): about 50 stars down to mag 14 in a 8'x5' group elongated N-S including a mag 10 star at the SE edge. Rich, fairly compact, a number of stars are arranged in lanes. Located about 7' SW of mag 8.0 SAO 95722.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2355 = H VI-6 = h439 on 8 Mar 1784 (sweep 161) and reported "a cluster of stars of various magnitudes, pretty much compressed in the middle, and the cluster is pretty rich. Of an iR form; most of the stars are S and I suppose if it is at all visible in my 7 ft reflector it must assume a nebulous appearance. To the north of it is a pretty considerable star which my field will take in with the cl." There is nothing at his position, but 1 min 40 sec of east of his position is this cluster and it fits his description. Karl Harding independently found the cluster around 1823 and reported it as a new discovery (7 of the 8 objects in his list were previously discovered). JH measured an accurate position and questioned whether his h439 was identical to H VI-6. JH recorded "a p rich cl of very small stars; irreg; R; 5' diameter; not bM; st 11...16m."

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NGC 2356 = NGC 2355? = Cr 133 = Mel 63 = OCL-496

07 16 59 +13 45 00

18" (2/23/06): there is no cluster at William Herschel's position or nearby group of stars that match his description "A pretty rich and compressed cluster of stars" other than NGC 2355 10' S of his position. Corwin equates NGC 2356 = NGC 2355 (see description for NGC 2355). Also about 20' W of Herschel's position are 15 stars in a 3' arrowhead outline. This asterism is well detached in the field and though not impressive is also a possible candidate. A nice equilateral triangle of mag 11.5-12.5 stars with sides of 1' form the eastern corner of the group.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2356 = H VII-6 on 16 Mar 1784 (sweep 176) and described "A pretty rich and compressed cluster of stars." There is nothing at his position (reduced using the offsets given in Dreyer's 1912 "Scientific Papers of WH) but ~15' S is NGC 2355 and Harold Corwin concludes this number is probably a duplicate observation of NGC 2355. His position for NGC 2355 is not good either -- it's 100 tsec of RA too far west!

Based on photographic plates taken at the Heidelberg Obseratory, Reinmuth adds "no Cl north of NGC 2355, in 7h 8m.0 +14d 13' (1860) a loose clustering of st 11... in triangle." At Reinmuth's position (about 1 tmin preceding the NGC position) is a triangular group which stands out pretty well. But NGC 2355 is the best fit for NGC 2356. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 2357 = UGC 3782 = MCG +04-17-014 = CGCG 116-046 = FGC 619 = PGC 20592

07 17 40.9 +23 21 23

V = 13.3; Size 3.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 122d

17.5" (1/19/91): faint, large, edge-on 6:1 NW-SE. Appears as a very low surface brightness ghostly streak with no central condensation! A mag 13 star is off the NW end 1.3' from center.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2357 = St XIII-27 on 6 Feb 1885 with the 31.5" silver-on-glass reflector at the Marseille Observatory. His position matches UGC 3782 = PGC 20592.

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NGC 2358

07 16 56 -17 07

Size 20'x15'

18" (3/13/10): gorgeous low power Milky Way field at 72x (63'), though nothing stands out distinctly as cluster-like. At the given position (07 16.9 -17 07 (2000), is a weak enhancement, roughly 20' diameter, with a nice quardruple group of mag 10-11 stars on the south side. This field enhancement is only noticeable as the Milky Way is weaker or dusty to the north and south of the group and the background glow brightens near the position of NGC 2358.

Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC and William Herschel's description ""A course scattered cluster of stars, not rich." is not specific enough to pin down his intended "cluster".

William Herschel discovered NGC 2358 = H VIII-45 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and noted "A course scattered cluster of stars, not rich., not compressed" JH did not record an observation of this "cluster" and it was not observed at Birr Castle. There is a large (~20') Milky Way field (described in my observation) including a number of mag 10 stars close to WH's position. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2359 = Thor's Helmet = LBN 1041 = Sh 2-298 = Ced 94b = Gum 4 = RCW 5

07 18 31 -13 13 30

Size 8'x6'

48" (4/13/10): the 5' central region of Thor's Helmet was mesmerizing at 267x and 330x (unfiltered). A large, bright knot is at the south end of the rim where the inner portion of the bright wing that heads southwest connects with the central bubble. Along the northern edge of the rim are three collinear mag 11 stars (2.2' length) oriented E-W. The rim of the bubble is noticeably brighter in a thin arc beginning due north of center (between the two western stars) and extending about 90° clockwise to the west (this portion of Thor's Helmet was catalogued separately as NGC 2361). The rim is also brighter along a 45° thicker arc on the southeast side. The rim has a lower surface brightness on the east and NE side and varies in thickness and brightness around the entire bubble, enclosing a darker central region.

Three brighter stars (nearly collinear) and several fainter stars are superimposed within the main bubble. A second, smaller, incomplete bubble just north of center outlines an inner dark "hole", which includes one of the brighter stars. The 11.4-magnitude ionizing Wolf-Rayet star HD 56925 is at the southwest edge of this inner bubble. Additional thin wisps of nebulosity crisscross the central region.

17.5" (12/28/00): "Thor's Helmet" is a remarkably bright, detailed nebulosity at 100x using an OIII filter. The central region is a 5' bubble (illuminated by a Wolf-Rayet star) with a brighter rim along the west side giving a "C" appearance with irregular knots, filamentary wisps of nebulosity and areas of thinner nebulosity in the interior. A number of fainter stars are superimposed in the central region along with some brighter mag 11 stars on the north portion of the rim. Attached at the south end is a brighter 4' extension elongated towards the west with a mag 9 star at its SE side. This section then thins out into a long 10' streamer that precedes the main section and forms the southern "horn" of the helmet. A second long, thicker streamer is attached at the north end of the central mass and extends out to the NW (this piece has been misidentified as IC 468). A fainter strip of nebulosity also begins on the north end and extends 10' due east while weak nebulosity is also east of the central helmet off the south side. Illuminated by the Wolf-Rayet star HD 56925 = WR 7.

13" (1/28/84): unusual emission nebula, fairly bright, fairly large, about 7'x5'. A thinner section elongated at a right angle (E-W) extends west of a mag 10 star on the south end. A few fainter stars are superimposed on the north side. A very faint section is attached at the NW end extending towards the NW.

13x80mm (1/13/07): the circular central region of Thor's Helmet was easily visible at 13x in my 80mm finder using an OIII filter (24mm Panoptic), though the "horns" of the helmet were not seen.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2359 = H V-21 = h3075 on 31 Jan 1785 (sweep 363) and recorded "A broad elongated nebulosity, in the form of a parallelogram with a short ray southwards from the south preceding corner. The nebulosity between the milky and resolvable, almost of an equal brightness; but very faint. The parallelogram about 8' long and 5 or 6' broad, but ill-defined." He published a sketch in his 1811 paper (Fig. 3) as an illustration "of detached Nebulosity".

JH observed this nebula from the Cape and recorded "a very singular nebula, much like the profile of a bust, (head, neck and shoulders,) or a silhouette portrait, very large, pretty well defined, light nearly uniform, about 12' diameter. In a crowded field of milky way stars, many of which are projected on it." His RA is exactly 1 min too small (but accurate in NPD) and this position was copied into the GC and later the NGC. Howe noted this error when he observed the nebula. His sketch (Plate IV, figure 4) shows the silhouette shape well with the shoulders/bust region the brighter "wing". See notes for NGC 2361.

I'm surprised this nebula is mentioned in Garrett Serviss' 1901 "Pleasures of the Telescope" written for at most 5-inch telescopes: "In [GC] 1511 we have a faint nebula remarkable for the rows of minute stars in an near it."  And in the 1909 book "In Starland with a 3-inch Telescope", William Olcott repeats "Note the nebula [GC] 1511 and the curving row of faint stars near it."

Based on plate taken with the 60-inch at Mt Wilson in 1917, Pease reported: Sir John Herschel pictured it as resembling a bust, while Lassell drew it like balloon, with a long neck twisted in the Sp direction. The balloon or head is approximately 5' in diameter; the neck is to the south, with nebulosity about 1' wide extending 8' west, concave on the north and gradually narrowing and fading out. From the top (N) of the head a symmetrical streamer concave to the south extends in the western direction...A second streamer about 1' wide extends east from the top of the head to a distance of 9'."

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NGC 2360 = Cr 134 = Mel 64 = OCL-589

07 17 43 -15 38 30

V = 7.2; Size 13'

13.1" (1/28/84): includes about 40 fainter stars in an elongated, arrowhead shape with mag 9 SAO 152691 at the east edge (probably a foreground star). Appears rich with fairly uniform magnitudes.

Caroline Herschel discovered NGC 2360 = H VII-12 = h440 = h3076 on 26 Feb 1783. This was her first deep sky discovery. On 4 Feb 1785 (sweep 366) William recorded "a large cluster of pretty compressed scattered stars, near 1/2° in diam, considerably rich, most of the stars of the same size." Another observation on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) describes "A beautiful cluster of pretty compressed stars, very large." JH recorded it from the Cape of Good Hope as "Middle of a fine large, rich cluster, not compressed to the middle. Stars 9..12th mag; fills field."

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NGC 2361 = Part of NGC 2359 = Thor's Helmet = LBN 1041 = Sh 2-298

07 18 23.4 -13 12 40

48" (4/15/10): Along the northern edge of the rim of Thor's Helmet are three collinear mag 11 stars (2.2' length) oriented E-W. The rim of the bubble is noticeably brighter in a thin arc beginning due north of center (between the two western stars) and extending about 90° clockwise to the west. Bigourdan's NGC 2359 refers to this brighter portion of the Wolf-Rayet nebula. See observing notes for NGC 2359 for a complete description of the nebula.

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 2361 = Big. 27 on 25 Feb 1887. Harold Corwin identifies NGC 2361 with a bright knot along the west side of the main bubble of NGC 2359. Wolfgang Steinicke also lists Wilhelm Tempel as a co-discoverer (in 1887), though he is not credited in the NGC.

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NGC 2362 = ESO 492-SC9 = Cr 136

07 18 42 -24 57 18

V = 4.1; Size 8'

13.1" (1/30/06 - Costa Rica): gorgeous low power field surrounding Tau CMa using the 20 Nagler (75x). Tau was easily resolved into a triple with two mag 10 and 11.2 companions at 8.5" and 14" to the east. At 170x, 75-80 stars are visible and the cluster appears fully resolved. A string of stars passes to the north of Tau oriented NW to SE. Several faint stars and a detached clump lie to the north of Tau beyond the string. A mag 8.5 star marks the south border of the cluster.

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): stunning open cluster at 105x surrounding Tau Canis Majoris which is a very close triple star. Perhaps 75 stars are resolved in a well-detached 6' region.

17.5" (3/2/02): at 100x, this is a gorgeous, uniformly rich cluster surrounding Tau CMa, which is offset north of center. A WNW-ESE string of stars north of Tau gives a flattened border and the rich southern portion tapers to the south giving a triangular appearance. At 220x, ~60 stars are visible in a 6' diameter, many of 10.5-11. Just following the central star to the ESE are two mag 11 companions. Several other fainter stars are in the central core including one fairly close preceding.

17.5" (2/28/87): about 75 stars in 6' diameter surrounding Tau Canis Majoris (V = 4.4) in an unusually rich, impressive cluster! Tau is resolved into several components.

13.1": 50 stars in a triangular-shape surrounding Tau Canis Majoris, very rich, impressive.

Giovanni Hodierna probably discovered NGC 2362 = H VII-17 = h441 = h3077 around 1654 (marked on a map of Canis Major). It was discovered again by WH on 6 Mar 1783 (sweep 381) and called "a most beautiful cluster of pretty large stars with one of the 7th magnitude in the center, which however I suppose does not belong to it." The cluster was observed by JH at both Slough and the Cape of Good Hope, where he recorded "a fine cluster of discrete stars, 60 or 70 in number. R, gbM, 8' diameter." It's surprising this bright cluster wasn't found by one of Messier contemporaries.

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NGC 2363 = UGC 3847 = MCG +12-07-039 = Mrk 71 = PGC 21078 = PGC 93088 = NGC 2366:[HK83] 108

07 28 29.6 +69 11 34

Size 1.7'x1.1'; PA = 20d

48" (4/15/10): NGC 2363 is either a small satellite galaxy of NGC 2366 or possibly a detached star cloud or galaxy west of the southwest end of NGC 2366. At 330x, NGC 2363 appeared fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 or 5:2 SW-NE, with a low but irregular surface brightness. Located ~2.2' SW of the center of NGC 2366 and 1.2' W of the bright knot. The bright HII knot/starburst region in NGC 2366 is often misidentified as NGC 2363.

A 2010 study suggests NGC 2363 was very close to the southern tip of NGC 2366 less than 10 Myr ago, and could have triggered the interaction which has led to the strong episodes of star formation in the southern half of NGC 2366 as well as this galaxy.

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 2363 on 9 Mar 1874 with the 72" while observing NGC 2366 = H III-748. He noted a "diffused nebulosity preceding, pos. 265.9°, dist 71.4"." Copeland's offsets were measured with respect to the unusually bright HII knot at the southwest end of the galaxy, which has always been assumed to be NGC 2363. But Copeland's "diffused nebulosity preceding" refers to UGC 3847, a separate galaxy ( or isolated star cloud) just west of the southwest end of NGC 2366.

CGCG misidentifies NGC 2363 as the "bright emission patch at the SW end of NGC 2366" and RNGC misclassifies NGC 2363 as nonexistent with the comment "Patch in NGC 2366, Zwicky". See Harold Corwin's identification notes for the complete story.

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NGC 2364

07 20 47 -07 33 00

18" (3/13/04): pretty neat group of 50-60 stars at 115x arranged in two rows of stars converging towards the north. The eastern group of stars hooks on the SE end, bending back towards the north. Both groups have strings of faint stars extending to the north beyond a mag 9.5 star located ~5' N of the main groups. Listed as a nonexistent cluster in the RNGC, although the group is fairly distinctive.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2364 = h442 on 8 Jan 1831 and noted "Two small pretty close groups of pL stars in the milky way, rather a remarkable cl." There are two strings of stars at JH's position, matching his description. RNGC classifies this object as nonexistent (Type 7).

WH apparently made the original discovery on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 529) and noted "Clustering stars, in three short parallel lines, the two last whereof are joined to the sp; the placed taken is that of the middle lane." He didn't assign it an internal discovery number, so this observation went uncatalogued.

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NGC 2365 = UGC 3821 = MCG +04-18-008 = CGCG 117-020 = PGC 20838

07 22 22.5 +22 05 00

V = 12.4; Size 2.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 170d

24" (2/14/15): at 260x; moderately bright and large, elongated 2:1 N-S, ~1.2'x0.6', well concentrated with a bright oval core. A mag 14 star is at the southwest edge [48" from center]. Located 32' ENE of mag 3.5 Delta Geminorum.

Forms a close pair with CGCG 117-019 2.6' SSW. The companion is faint, small, round, 18" diameter. Occasionally contains a faint stellar nucleus. A wide 15" double star is 1' SSE. UGC 3827 lies 13' NE and appears faint, small, oval 4:3, 20"x15" [core only seen]. A mag 13.3 star is at the south east edge of the galaxy.

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, bright core. A mag 14 star is just off the SW side 0.7' from center and a mag 12.5 star is 1.3' SW.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2365 = m 102 on 10 Nov 1864 with Lassell's 48" and recorded "vF, pS, R, psbM." Édouard Stephan independently discovered this galaxy on 13 Jan 1874 and reported it in list VI-7.

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NGC 2366 = UGC 3851 = MCG +12-07-040 = CGCG 330-038 = Mrk 71 = PGC 21102

07 28 55.0 +69 12 57

V = 11.1; Size 8.1'x3.3'; Surf Br = 14.6; PA = 25d

48" (4/15/10): The most striking feature of NGC 2366 is a prominent double knot (giant HII/starburst complex) at the SW end (also known as Mrk 71 amd NGC 2366-I). At 330x, the knot appeared very bright, elongated 3:2 E-W, ~18"x12", with two overlapping components (super star clusters A and B). A fainter and smaller knot (NGC 2366-II) was easily visible 15" E, for a total of 3 HII knots.

NGC 2363, a low surface brightness companion or detached OB association/HII region, lies 1.2' W of the bright double knot. At 330x it appeared fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 or 5:2 SW-NE, with a low but irregular surface brightness.

18" (3/19/04): at the SW end of the galaxy is a very bright knot (HII region), roughly mag 12.5 and perhaps 15" in size which responds to a UHC filter at 160x! At 323x this knot is irregular in shape (~20"x15", SW-NE) and brightness and at moments resolves into two or three components. The galaxy itself is fairly faint, large, and very elongated SSW-NNE, 3.5'x1.0', with a low surface brightness.

13.1" (1/11/86): fairly faint, very large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, low almost even surface brightness. An unusually bright HII region is at the SW end of the galaxy (2' from the center) and appears as a "fuzzy" 12th magnitude star. Although very small, it appeared elongated SW-NE and similar to a poorly resolved double star. Definite contrast gain with OIII filter.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2366 = H III-748 on 3 Dec 1788 (sweep 889) and called it "vF, vS, stellar. 300 confirmed it and showed a vF branch to the nf." His description and position matches the prominent HII region at the southwest end of the galaxy. The "vf branch nf" refers to the actual galaxy. So, NGC 2366 applies to the HII region (also known as Mrk 71) as well as the galaxy. Modern sources misidentify the large HII knot as NGC 2363. See historical comments for NGC 2363.

Ralph Copeland described it on 9 Mar 1874 with the 72" as a "diffused neby preceding, pos 265.9°, dist 71.4" Neb * or neb knot post 318°, dist 77.6". The object has a curved tail, pos 30.9°, convex on the following side, traced 9' or 10'. The neb knot preceding is connected with the principal enbulosity. Line of stars spp, curved towards preceding side, nebulous? At least the enbula appears to extend so far on spp side. [See Pl I.]."

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NGC 2367 = Cr 137 = ESO 559-SC005

07 20 05 -21 53 06

V = 7.9; Size 4'

17.5": 25 stars in a distinctive, fairly rich 6' group which is elongated N-S. The brightest star HD 57370 is a close double (HLD 87 = 9.4/9.7 at 5"). A nice elongated group at the south end includes the bright double, three other mag 11/12 stars and several fainter stars. A compact group of four stars is in the field to the north. Located in a rich low power field at 100x.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2367 = H VIII-27 on 20 Nov 1784 (sweep 326) and recorded "a small cluster of scattered stars, not rich, nor very compressed." His position is ~3' south of the center of this compact cluster.

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NGC 2368 = Cr 138 = OCL-571 = Lund 320

07 20 59 -10 22 48

Size 5'

17.5" (3/20/93): two dozen stars mag 12-14 in 4' diameter, unimpressive although unusual form, no dense spots. Divided into two distinct groupings; a dozen stars in the SW triangular group with a double star 12/13 at 18" separation at the west end; also a dozen stars in the NE group consists of two strings of stars oriented ~N-S forming a thin triangle. The two groups are separated by a dark lane oriented NW-SE. The classification of this group as a true cluster is doubtful.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2368 = h443 on 9 Mar 1828 and described "the preceding star (which is red) of a pretty rich small cluster; fig irreg triangular; stars 15m - in Milky Way." His position is on the southwest side of the group.

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NGC 2369 = ESO 122-018 = AM 0716-621 = LGG 144-001 = PGC 20556

07 16 37.7 -62 20 37

V = 12.3; Size 3.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 177d

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x appeared bright, large, very elongated 5:2 N-S, 2.4'x0.9', broad concentration with a slightly bulging middle. A 16th magnitude star is at the north end and a mag 15 star is just following the core. Nearly collinear with two mag 12/13 stars 2.5' and 3' NE. Brightest in a group with NGC 2381 48' SE, NGC 2369A 38' SE (on a line with NGC 2381), NGC 2369B 32' NE, NGC 2417 1.6° east and IC 2200/2200A 1.3° east.

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x this Carina galaxy is fairly faint, fairly large, elongated 5:2 N-S, 1.7'x0.6', broad weak concentration but overall has a fairly low surface brightness (viewed at 16° elevation). In a group with NGC 2381 and NGC 2417.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2369 = h3078 on 26 Dec 1834 and recorded "pB, E or irregular figure, glbM." His position (2 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 2370 = UGC 3835 = MCG +04-18-015 = CGCG 117-036 = PGC 20955

07 25 01.7 +23 47 01

V = 13.6; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 43d

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.4', even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is attached at the NE end 0.4' from center. The galaxy appears to extend from the star like a comet tail!

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2370 = m 103 on 10 Nov 1864 with Lassell's 48" and recorded "eF, vS, E." His position is 1' south of UGC 3835 = PGC 20955. RNGC refers to the mag 14 star attached at north end as a "* or knot".

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NGC 2371 = Peanut Nebula = Double Bubble Nebula = PK 189+19.1 = PN G189.1+19.8

07 25 33.8 +29 29 18

V = 11.2; Size 74"x54"

48" (4/1/11): I was stunned by the view of this bipolar nebula. There was so much intricate detail in NGC 2371/72 it had little resemblance to previous views through my 17.5" and 18" scopes. The most prominent feature was two, irregularly round, very bright nodules on the southwest and northeast side of the boxy, elongated central region. Each nodule was distinctive and varied in surface brightness and shape with the southwest lobe brighter. Filamentary streamers or a "hairy tail" extended from the northeast node towards the northwest and similar wisps extended mainly southeast from the southwest node, creating a sense of rotation around the fairly bright central star. The interior and sides were filled with much fainter nebulosity. A very faint filament connected the main lobes on the northwest edge. Detached from the main 1' structure were two amazing outer wings, symmetrically hanging 1' NW and 1' SE from the central star. These wings or "polar caps" were easily visible without a filter at 488x and both extended ~40"x10" in a SW-NE orientation, increasing the total diameter of the planetary to 2'. A mag 13.5 star lies 1.5' NW and a mag 16 star is 50" NE of center.

17.5" (2/14/99): very unusual appearance at 380x with two bright knots oriented SW-NE about 30" between centers and 0.9' in total length. The southwest knot is 15"-20" in size, slightly elongated and the brighter of the two. The northeast condensation has a slightly lower surface brightness and appears ~20" in diameter. The faint mag 14.9 central star is symmetrically placed between the knots. Weaker nebulosity connects the two knots giving a "dogbone" appearance with a very faint rounder halo encasing the structure!

17.5" (2/13/88): unusual planetary, bright, moderately large, elongated SW-NE. Two bright knots are at both ends (with two NGC designations) although the SW end is brighter and concentrated.

13" (2/25/84): two condensations in halo. The WSW side is brighter and sharper.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2371 = H II-316 = h444, along with NGC 2372, on 12 Mar 1785 (sweep 385) and reported, "Two. F, of an equal size. Both small within a minute of each other; each has a seeiming nucleus, and their apparent atmospheres run into each other. 240 showed the same position from sp to nf." He published a sketch in his 1811 paper (Fig. 6) as an illustration of "double Nebulae with joined Nebulosity."

John Herschel called NGC 2371 "the south-preceding of a curious bright double neb or an elongated bicentral neb; nuclei approaching to stars 45° nf or sp - distance of centre 60". See fig 72." Lord Rosse sketched this bipolar PN with his 72" and reported (19 Dec 1848) a "bright star between, tails and curved filaments, perhaps an annulus round the two nebulae." William Lassell made an observation in March 1853 with his 24-inch equatorial reflector from Malta. He noted the "preceding one [nebula] is the brightest" and made a sketch (figure IX in his 1854 MRAS paper).

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NGC 2372 = Peanut Nebula = Double Bubble Nebula = PK 189+19.1 = PN G189.1+19.8

07 25 35.8 +29 29 30

V = 11.2; Size 74"x54"

48" (4/1/11): see description for NGC 2371.

17.5": see description for NGC 2371.

13": this is the fainter NE component of NGC 2371/NGC 2372. Slightly fainter and more diffuse than NGC 2371.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2372 = H II-317 = h445, along with NGC 2371, on 12 Mar 1785 (sweep 385). See NGC 2371 for his description.

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NGC 2373 = UGC 3848 = MCG +06-17-004 = CGCG 177-014 = PGC 21016

07 26 36.9 +33 49 25

V = 13.8; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 0d

18" (1/13/07): faint, very small, round, 20". A mag 12.7 star is just off the NE side 24" from the center. Located 6.8' W of NGC 2375 in the NGC 2389 cluster.

13.1" (2/23/85): faint, elongated, small. A mag 13 star is at the NE edge. Forms a trio with NGC 2375 6.7' E and NGC 2379 10' E. First of seven in the NGC 2389 group.

George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 2373 = St IX-8 on 20 Feb 1849 (along with NGC 2375) using Lord Rosse's 72" and recorded "6 nebulae of which epsilon [NGC 2375] is perhaps a double star." This galaxy was labeled Zeta on the sketch in the 1861 publication and accurately measured from NGC 2375, JH didn't assign it a GC designation. Dreyer first catalogued NGC 2373 as GCS 5380. Édouard Stephan independently discovered the galaxy on 8 Feb 1878 and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 2374 = Cr 139 = OCL-585 = Lund 328

07 23 56 -13 15 48

V = 8.0; Size 19'

17.5" (3/12/94): ~50-60 stars in 7'x4' region elongated SW-NE. Located in a rich star field so the cluster does not have a distinct border. A detached group with four brighter mag 10-11 stars is off the NE end. The richest portion is 3'-4' diameter at the SW end and consists of three dozen stars over some unresolved haze. At the SW edge is a nice curving U-shaped group of 9 stars mag 13 that is open to the SW.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2374 = H VIII-35 = h3080 on 31 Jan 1785 (sweep 363) and recorded (summary from 3 sweeps) "a cluster of pretty large scattered stars, pretty rich, about 20' long, crooked figure." JH observed it from the Cape of Good Hope and recorded "the most compressed part of a scattered cluster or rather region, more crowded with stars than the rest of the milky way, though hardly entitled to rank as a cluster. The stars run in singular lines and curves on a dark ground."

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NGC 2375 = UGC 3854 = MCG +06-17-005 = CGCG 177-017 = PGC 21035

07 27 09.5 +33 49 54

V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 170d

18" (1/13/07): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 ~N-S, 0.7'x0.4', broad concentration. Larger but lower surface brightness than NGC 2379 3.6' ESE.

13.1" (2/23/85): second of three in the NGC 2389 group. Faint, low surface brightness, appears larger than nearby NGC 2379 3.7' E. NGC 2375 lies 6.7' W.

George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 2375 on 20 Feb 1849 (along with NGC 2373) and recorded "6 nebulae of which epsilon [NGC 2375] is perhaps a double star." Although the sketch was included in the Lord Rosse's 1861 publication, JH didn't assign it a GC designation but Dreyer first catalogued it as GCS 5383. Édouard Stephan independently discovered the galaxy on 8 Feb 1878 and measured an accurate position (list IX-9).

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NGC 2376 = MCG +04-18-017 = CGCG 117-039 = PGC 21015

07 26 35.9 +23 04 23

V = 13.8; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.5

17.5" (2/8/91): very faint, very small, round. A mag 15.5 star is attached at the west end.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2376 = m 104 on 10 Nov 1864 with Lassell's 48" and recorded "eF, vS." His position matches CGCG 117-039 = PGC 21015.

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NGC 2377 = UGCA 132 = PGC 20948

07 24 56.8 -09 39 37

V = 12.7; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 170d

18" (3/4/08): unusual location for a galaxy in a rich Milky Way star field. At 220x appears fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, low even surface brightness. A mag 13 star is embedded on the south end and a mag 14.7 stars is on the NE side. Finally, an extremely faint mag 15.5 star is occasionally visible close south of the fainter star.

17.5" (2/1/92): faint, fairly small, elongated SSW-NNE, ~1.0'x0.5', low surface brightness, no core. A mag 12 star is attached at the south end and an extremely faint mag 15 star is involved at the north end. Appears diffuse with ill-defined edges and seems similar to a faint nebulosity in a rich Milky Way field! Unusually low galactic latitude for a galaxy. Incorrectly listed as nonexistent in RNGC but plotted on U2000.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2377 = St VI-8 on 19 Jan 1874. His position and description matches UGCA 132. Classified as nonexistent (Type 7) in RNGC. Correctly identified in RC2 as NGC 2377.

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NGC 2378

07 27 24.1 +33 49 52

=**, Corwin.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2378 = St IX-10 on 8 Feb 1878. At Stephan's position is a close pair of stars (mag 14.7/15.2 at 8" separation). The double is cleanly resolved on the DSS. The RNGC incorrectly equates NGC 2378 = NGC 2379.

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NGC 2379 = UGC 3857 = MCG +06-17-006 = CGCG 177-018 = PGC 21036

07 27 26.3 +33 48 40

V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9

18" (1/13/07): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 25" diameter, very small bright core, stellar nucleus. This compact galaxy has a fairly high surface brightenss. A mag 12.5 star lies 1' NW and a mag 11 star 3.6' NE. NGC 2375 lies 3.6' WNW.

13.1" (2/23/85): third of seven in the NGC 2389 group. Faint, extremely small, round. A mag 12.5 star is 1.0' WNW of center. NGC 2375 lies 3.7' W.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2379 = h446 on 6 Mar 1828 and simply called the "first of four [with NGC 2385, 2388 and 2389]." He noted both the RA and NPD as approximate, and his position is exactly 1 tmin of RA too far east (repeated in the GC). Lord Rosse (or assistant George Stoney) labeled it Delta on the sketch made 20 Feb 1849. Stephan independently discovered NGC 2379 = St IX-11 on 8 Feb 1878 at the Marseille Observatory and measured an accurate position (repeated in the NGC).

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NGC 2380 = NGC 2382 = ESO 492-012 = MCG -05-18-005 = PGC 20916

07 23 54.6 -27 31 43

V = 11.2; Size 2.0'x1.9'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 99d

17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core, compact but fairly high surface brightness, appears out of place in very rich Milky Way field. Located only 5.7° from the galactic equator!

John Herschel discovered NGC 2380 = h3079 on 5 Feb 1837 and called "pF, R, vgmbM, 40", in a rich field." His position matches ESO 492-012 = PGC 20916. See NGC 2382.

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NGC 2381 = ESO 088-010 = LGG 144-003 = PGC 20694

07 19 57.4 -63 04 01

V = 12.8; Size 1.6'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.5

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, sharply concentrated with a very bright 25" core that increases to a stellar nucleus. The core is surrounded by a much fainter, fairly small halo, ~0.8' diameter. A mag 13 star lies 2' NE. ESO 088-008 = NGC 2369A lies 11' NW. This ring galaxy is the furthest south in a group including NGC 2369, NGC 2369A, NGC 2369B, IC 2200/2200A, NGC 2417.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2381 = h3084 on 26 Dec 1834 and noted as "vF, vS, R. In a field full of stars." His position is just off the southwest side of ESO 088-010 = PGC 20694.

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NGC 2382 = NGC 2380 = ESO 492-012 = MCG -05-18-005 = PGC 20916

07 23 54.6 -27 31 43

See observing notes for NGC 2380.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2382 = h3082 on 1 Feb and recorded "pF; R; bM; 30"; nearly on meridian of Eta Canis, or perhaps somewhat preceding." He gave approximate coordinates and his position is 9' north and 18 seconds of time west of NGC 2380 (discovered 4 days later). Herbert Howe couldn't find NGC 2382 at JH's position, but gives a corrected position, which corresponds with NGC 2380. ESO equates NGC 2380 = NGC 2382 and Harold Corwin concurs.

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NGC 2383 = Cr 141 = ESO 559-SC008

07 24 43 -20 56 54

V = 8.4; Size 6'

17.5" (3/7/92): about 30 stars mag 10-14 in 5' diameter and rich in mag 13-14 stars near the center. Includes three mag 10 stars; one at the west end, another just east of center and the last at the east end. Just SW of the mag 10 star near the center is a rich glowing knot which is very pretty with averted. The cluster is set over unresolved background haze. NGC 2384 is in the field 8' SE.

8" (3/28/81): small, rich cluster of mag 11-13 stars, three mag 10 stars are near, NGC 2384 lies 8' SSE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2383 = h3081 on 15 Feb 1836 (along with NGC 2384 = h3083) and recorded "cluster, irregularly round, pretty much compressed, 6'. Stars of mixed magnitudes." His first position (of two) is accurate.

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NGC 2384 = Cr 143 = ESO 559-SC009

07 25 12 -21 01 24

V = 7.4; Size 3'

17.5" (3/7/92): about 20 stars mag 9-14 in an elongated E-W group about 5' length. Includes the close bright double star h3964 = 9.0/9.7 at 5" near the center. A mag 9 star is at the west end and close east are two mag 11/12 stars and a group of six fainter stars. The rest of the cluster mainly consists of a string of six brighter stars oriented SW-NE with h3964 at the SW end of this string and a mag 10 star 30" SSE. In the same field with richer NGC 2383 8' NW.

8": small group, including 9.0/9.6 at 5".

John Herschel discovered NGC 2384 = h3083 on 15 Feb 1836 and described as "a cluster composed to two groups of bright stars separated in RA by a dark interval. Chief star of preceding group taken." His position (measured on two sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 2385 = MCG +06-17-008 = CGCG 177-020 = WBL 142-001 = PGC 21080

07 28 28.2 +33 50 16

V = 13.9; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 50d

18" (1/13/07): faintest of trio with NGC 2389 7.7' ENE and NGC 2388 5.4' ESE. At 280x appears faint, small, oval, 0.4'x0.3', low even surface brightness.

13.1" (2/23/85): extremely faint, very small, possibly elongated. Located 5' W of NGC 2388. Fourth of seven in the NGC 2389 group.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2385 = H III-900 = h447, along with NGC 2388, on 4 Feb 1793 (sweep 1031) and called "I suspected another a little south preceding [of NGC 2389] and 300 confirmed it; and a third almost directly preceding [NGC 2385], and 300 confirms that also. I saw all the three very plainly."

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NGC 2386

07 28 38.1 +33 46 29

18" (1/13/07): this is an 18" pair of mag 13/14 stars that was misidentified by Rosse as a nebulous object in the field of NGC 2389. There is a fainter mag 15 star a bit further west forming a triangle.

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 2386 on 1 Jan 1876 while observing the NGC 2374-2391 group. His micrometric offsets from GC 1530 = NGC 2388 (342" in PA 103°) points to a close double (mag ~14.5/15.5 at 3") with a third mag 14.5 star at 18". Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 lists of NGC/IC corrections, identifies NGC 2386 as a triple star, and Harold Corwin concurs with this conclusion.

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NGC 2387

07 29 26.1 +36 46 07

Size 8"

24" (2/22/14): at 125x, this 7" double star generally appeared as an unresolved quasi-stellar glow and it was easy to see how it could be mistaken as a possible nebula. At 200x, it was often cleanly resolved, but still the fainter companion is dim enough to often appear not as a sharp star, but a very faint "appendage" to the brighter component, mimicking a tiny nebula. Also, there are 3 mag 15-16 stars closeby [within 25"] that perhaps contribute to noticing this pair. At 260x and above, the pair was nearly always resolved cleanly.

CGCG 177-023, the galaxy identified as NGC 2387 in the CGCG, RNGC and PGC, appeared very faint, small, round, low even surface brightness, 15" diameter. An extremely faint companion 25" SE was not seen.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2387 = H II-820 on 10 Mar 1790 (sweep 937) and recorded "pB, S, stellar. The wind too high to verify it." There is nothing at his position, but Harold Corwin suggests Herschel most likely picked up a faint double only 1.5' north of his position (based on Auwers' reduction). This pair looked like a tiny nebula in my scope at 200x. Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey at Heidelberg, describes NGC 2387 as a single mag 13.5 star with "a small group of 5 small stars nnp 3'." Corwin's double is part of these "5 small stars".

Dreyer took CGCG 177-023 as H II-820 on his 23 Feb 1876 observation with the 72": "Irr R, probably lE pf, looks like a hazy star. Forms a rectangular triangle with a *16 sf and a *17 nff about 2' distant. 3 st 14-15m preceding in a curved line, the nearest one in Pos 279.5°, 161.2"." This galaxy is ~25 sec of RA west and 8' N of WH's position and his description and class (II) does not fit this galaxy. RNGC, CGCG and PGC also misidentify CGCG 177-023 as NGC 2387. So, assuming WH's observation refers to the double star, CGCG 177-023 is left without a NGC designation. Also, see Harold Corwin's comments.

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NGC 2388 = UGC 3870 = MCG +06-17-010 = CGCG 177-022 = WBL 142-002 = PGC 21099

07 28 53.5 +33 49 08

V = 13.8; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 65d

18" (1/13/07): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 0.6'x0.4', small brighter core. A mag 13.5 star lies 1' NE of center. Located 3.4' SW of NGC 2389 with NGC 2385 5.4' WNW.

13.1" (2/23/85): fifth of seven in the NGC 2389 group. Faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE. NGC 2389 lies 3.4' NE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2388 = H III-901 = h448, along with NGC 2385, on 4 Feb 1793 (sweep 1031). See description under NGC 2385. JH and Dreyer assigned H III-900 to NGC 2388.

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NGC 2389 = UGC 3872 = MCG +06-17-011 = CGCG 177-024 = WBL 142-003 = PGC 21109

07 29 04.7 +33 51 38

V = 12.9; Size 2.0'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 83d

18" (1/13/07): brightest galaxy in a group. At 280x appeared moderately bright, fairly small, oval 5:3 ~E-W, ~1.1'x0.7' though the outer halo fades into the background gradually so difficult to trace with averted vision. Broad, weak concentration with no well-defined core althought there is a small brighter nucleus with direct vision. Trio with NGC 2388 3.4' SW and NGC 2385 7.7' WSW. Also, an unusual edge-on UGC 3879 13' SE (similar redshift) appeared extremely faint, small (viewed only the core of this thin edge-on), 15"-20" diameter. A couple of mag 14-14.5 stars lies 1' to 1.5' NE.

13.1" (2/23/85): this galaxy is the brightest in the NGC 2389 group. Fairly faint, slightly elongated ~E-W, bright core. Third of three in a tight subgroup with NGC 2385 and NGC 2388.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2389 = H III-703 = h449 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 807) and noted as "vF; vS; perhaps a patch of star." His position is just 1' north of UGC 3872 = PGC 21109. On 4 Feb 1793 (sweep 1031) he confirmed it was a nebula and logged "vF, bM, R." He also discovered NGC 2385 and 2388 on this sweep. Dreyer misassigned H III-901 to NGC 2389.

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NGC 2390

07 29 04.2 +33 50 10

18" (1/13/07): this is a 14th magnitude star located 1.4' S of NGC 2389. Misidentified as a nebulous object by Robert Ball, a Birr Castle assistant.

Sir Robert Ball, an assistant on the Lord Rosse's 72" telescope, discovered NGC 2390 on 10 Dec 1866 (along with NGC 2391) and noted "Eta is faint and perhaps little elongated." He placed this object 82.1" in PA 181° (south) with respect to NGC 2389 and at this position is a mag 14.7 star. Bigourdan was unable to find Ball's object and Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel", states "eeS, *15.5?". NGC 2391 also refers to a faint star.

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NGC 2391

07 29 07.5 +33 49 33

=*, Corwin. =NF, Carlson

Sir Robert Ball, an assistant on the Lord Rosse's 72" telescope, discovered NGC 2391 on 10 Dec 1866 (along with NGC 2390) and noted "Theta is eF and S and only seen by glimpses." He placed this object 147" in PA 163.5° with respect to NGC 2389 and at this position is a mag 15.6 star. Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel", describes a "*14.7, nebulous?, 2.2' ssf of N2389." Nearby NGC 2390 is also a faint star.

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NGC 2392 = Eskimo Nebula = PK 197+17.1 = PN G197.8+17.3

07 29 10.8 +20 54 42

V = 9.2; Size 47"x43"

48" (4/1/11): I just took a quick look at the Eskimo at 488x but the view of the double green shells was stunning. The inner, brilliant annulus is irregularly shaped, with an elongated bulge on the north side. The ring essentially splits into two sections at the north end (the inner "ring" is fainter) with a darker interior forming a small pouch within the ring. This feature could be considered the "chin" at the bottom of the Eskimo's "face" in the eyepiece view. The outer shell is irregularly lit and brighter along the southern rim.

18" (2/24/06): viewed at 807x in good seeing. This remarkable double-shelled planetary has a darker ring around the bright, 9th magnitude central star. The darker ring is surrounded by fairly narrow bright annulus, perhaps 20" in diameter. The rim of the inner annulus appears slightly brighter along the western half and brightest along the northwest section. Moving outwards, a narrow darker ring separates the inner shell from a large, lower surface brightness outer halo that extends to nearly 1' in diameter (listed diameter is only 47").

17.5" (12/19/87): using 410x exhibits a prominent double shell structure with a very bright inner shell about 20" diameter with a darker central hole surrounding a very bright mag 9 central star. The Eskimo has a very high surface brightness with a bluish color and easily takes this magnification. The inner shell is surrounded by a thin dark ring about 2/3 of the way out from center and a faint, barely detached outer halo. Located 1.6' S of mag 8.3 SAO 79428.

13" (1/28/84): bright mag 9 central star surrounded by a double shell with a bright inner disk and a dark ring separates the two shells.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2392 = H IV-45 = h450 on 17 Jan 1787 (sweep 694) and recorded "a star with a pretty strong milky nebulosity equally dispersed all around.  The star about 9m.  Having but just began I suspected the glass to be covered with damp, or my eye not yet to be in order; however a star 10 or 11m just north of it was free from the same appearance.  A very curious phenomenon; like my northern Planetary in its growing state."  The next night he added "One of the most remarkable phenomena I ever have seen."  In the 1814 PT paper he used this object as an example of an evident connection between an atmosphere and a star.

The annularity of NGC 2392 was discovered by George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant. The sketch (figure 15, plate XXXVIII in the 1850 PT paper) also shows a dark spot just to the right (west?) of the central star. William Lassell reported similar structure with his 24-inch in Jan 1853: "The nebulous star has its envelope evidently fainter on the preceding side. Its circular outline is almost wanting there. About half-way between the centre and circumference there is a narrow, concentric, dark ring, within which the nebula is brighter than the exterior portion." His sketch was published in his 1854 MRAS paper (figure 6) on observations from Malta.

Using an 18.2-inch silvered-glass reflector Henry Cooper Key reported, "the present appearance of this object, as seen in my instrument, is that of a bright, but somewhat nebulous star closely surrounded by a dark ring; this again by a luminous ring; then an interval much less luminous, and, finally, at some distance, an exterior luminous ring" (1867MNRAS..28....2A). Father Secchi also sketched the double ring structure with the 9.5" refractor in Rome around 1856 as well as Barnard with the 12-inch refractor at Lick Observatory on 10 Apr 1890.  He reported "a condensed point or 2 in the preceding part [of the inner disc], then there seems to be a dark vacuity about this disc and then a fainter nebulous ring.  It is a remarkable object."

The CGCG misidentifies CGCG 086-035 = PGC 21128 as NGC 2392.

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NGC 2393 = UGC 3884 = MCG +06-17-014 = CGCG 177-027 = PGC 21154

07 30 04.7 +34 01 39

V = 14.0; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 103d

18" (1/13/07): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 0.6'x0.5', low even surface brightness. Located 16' NE of NGC 2389 in a cluster.

13.1" (2/23/85): extremely faint, similar in size to NGC 2388 but a lower surface brightness. Located 16' NE of NGC 2389. Last of 7 in the cluster.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2393 = St XIII-28 on 7 Feb 1885. His position matches UGC 3884 = PGC 21154.

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NGC 2394

07 28 37 +07 05 12

18" (3/13/04): at 115x, appears as a 15'x5' scattered group of roughly two dozen stars, extended E-W. Includes a about a dozen mag 10-11 stars. The stars appear to be arranged in a zig-zag chain which is fairly distinctive. Additional stars are scattered to the north and south of this string. But NGC 2394 may be just a random grouping. Located just 10' NE of Eta CMi (V = 5.3) in the same field!

William Herschel discovered NGC 2394 = H VIII-44 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 496) and noted "A cluster of very coarse scattered large stars, they form a cross and extend over a large space; not rich." There were no observations made by JH or at Birr Castle. Based on Heidelberg plates, Karl Reinmuth described NGC 2394 as "a very loose clustering of pB st, bet BD+7d1729 and BD+7d1739." There are about 15 fairly bright mag 10-11 stars in the vicinity. RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2395 = Cr 144 = OCL-502 = Lund 338

07 27 13 +13 36 30

V = 8.0; Size 12'

13.1" (12/22/84): scattered cluster of roughly 50 stars mag 10 and fainter in 15' field, not rich. Visible faintly in the 16x80mm finder. The Medusa Nebula (Abell 21) lies 34' SE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2395 = H VIII-11 on 16 Mar 1784 (sweep 176) and noted "a cluster of scattered stars." There is nothing at the Caroline's reduced position (or the GC/NGC position), but 30' southwest is this scattered group of stars. Auwers' reduced position is 1° too far south, so he made a reduction error. Still, this is an unusually large error, though the cluster was found only 3 months after WH began his sweeps and his positions are sometimes off quite a bit in his early sweeps. Caroline Herschel also noted a confusion in the sweep record about the offset star -- whether it was 50 or 51 Geminorum, so perhaps there is still an error to be uncovered.

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NGC 2396 = Cr 148 = OCL-579 = Lund 344

07 28 06 -11 44

Size 10'

18" (3/2/08): at 94x, roughly three dozen stars are resolved, mostly mag 11-13.5 with a pale orange mag 8.5 star on the west side. At 175x, roughly 50 stars are resolved in a 10' region. A chain of stars extends a few arcminutes NE from the mag 8.5 star and then abruptly loops due south for the same distance. This chain then curves around making a large oval loop forming the east side of the cluster. Located 10' S of a triple star (ADS 6104) consisting of a mag 8.5 primary with mag 8.5 and 9.5 companions at 20" and 23". The brighter two stars have an orange/blue color contrast. Located in a rich star field so the borders of the cluster are ill-defined.

25x80mm finder (3/2/08): roundish, glowing region just following a mag 8 star.

17.5" (2/8/91): about three dozen stars mostly mag 11-13 are resolved at 82x. Evenly distributed, not rich and does not stand out well in a rich field. The brightest star is mag 8.7 SAO 152910 situated at the west side. Located 10' S of ∑1097 = 6.1/8.5 at 20"!

William Herschel discovered NGC 2396 = H VIII-36 = h451 on 31 Jan 1785 (sweep 363) and called it "a coarsely scattered forming cluster about 20 or 30' diam." His position is within this scattered group. JH simply noted a "straggling portion of the Milky Way." and his position is 16 tsec of RA further east.

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NGC 2397 = ESO 058-030 = LGG 147-001 = PGC 20766

07 21 19.7 -69 00 05

V = 11.8; Size 2.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 123d

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x appears very bright, large, elongated nearly 5:2 NW-SE, ~2.4'x1.0', broadly concentrated to a brighter core and then rising quickly to a small, brighter nucleus. A mag 14.5 star is just off the east end 1' from the center. Forms a pair with NGC 2397A 7' S. Member of the NGC 2442 group (NGC 2442 lies 1.4° SE).

John Herschel discovered NGC 2397 = h3085 on 21 Feb 1835 and recorded "B, L, mE, gbM, 2' long, 1' broad." On a second sweep he called this nebula "F, pL, pmE, pslbM, 90", pos of extension = 117°." His position and description matches ESO 58-30 = PGC 20766.

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NGC 2398 = MCG +04-18-023 = CGCG 117-048 = PGC 21165

07 30 16.3 +24 29 16

V = 14.1; Size 0.8'x0.65'; PA = 126d

24" (2/14/15): faint to fairly faint, small, very slightly elongated, 20"x16", nearly even surface brightness. A mag 15 star is off the northwest edge [23" from center].

Forms a very close pair with CGCG 117-046 off the west-northwest side [40" between centers]. At 375x, the companion appeared extremely faint and small, round, 8" diameter (core only), visible ~1/3 of time with concentration. IC 2191 lies 10' S and is fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 20"x15", contains a very small brighter nucleus.

17.5" (2/8/91): faint, small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, broad concentration, stellar nucleus.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2398 = St XIII-29 on 10 Feb 1885 with the 31-inch reflector at Marseilles Observatory. His position is accurate.

Stephane Javelle resolved it into a double nebula on 7 Feb 1896 and made a footnote in his listing for IC 2191 = J III-1000 that "NGC 2398 appears double". Dreyer didn't assign CGCG 117-046 an IC designation as Javelle didn't note an offset or position, though he commented in the IC 2 Notes section "seems to be a double neb (Javelle III.)

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NGC 2399

07 29 50.3 -00 12 45

=**, Gottlieb. =***, Corwin.

George Bond discovered NGC 2399 = HN 9, along with NGC 2400, on 26 Feb 1853 with the 15-inch Merz refractor during the Harvard Zone Survey of stars near the celestial equator. He noted "between stars #230 and #231 there are two faint nebulae. Dec +00 05 11 [1853]." Near Bond's position in AN #1453 is a 10" +/- pair of mag 14/15 stars with a third component at 20". Heinrich d'Arrest measured both NGC 2399 and 2340 on 30 Jan 1865, but his positions are 1 minute of RA too large and he didn't resolve these multiple stars. Harold Corwin also concludes that NGC 2399 and 2400 are two different triple stars separated by just 1'.

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NGC 2400

07 29 54.9 -00 12 52

=***, Corwin.

George Bond discovered NGC 2400 = HN 10, along with NGC 2399, on 26 Feb 1853 at Harvard College observatory. Near Bond's position is a triple star with separations of ~10" and 14". Heinrich d'Arrest's positions for both NGC 2399 and 2340, measured on 30 Jan 1865, is exactly 1 minute of RA too large, though he apparently did not resolve the triple. See NGC 2399.

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NGC 2401 = Cr 149 = OCL-588 = Lund 346

07 29 24 -13 58 00

Size 2'

18" (3/2/08): at 225x appears as a rich, glowing 1.5' knot with roughly a dozen very faint mag 14-14 stars peppered over the glow. Appears rich with averted but only partially resolved. A mag 7 star (HD 59543) is the field, 7' ESE. Situated in a rich Milky Way star field at 175x with a patchy background.

13.1" (1/11/86): About 7 very faint mag 13.5-15 stars resolved over haze, unimpressive. Located in a very rich field 7' W of mag 7.2 SAO 152963.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2401 = H VII-65 = h454 on 8 Mar 1793 (sweep 1034) and recorded "a small cluster of vS stars, considerably rich and compressed." His position is just off the southeast side of the cluster, but close enough to be unambiguous.

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NGC 2402 = UGC 3891 = MCG +02-19-004 = CGCG 057-015 = PGC 21176

07 30 47.8 +09 38 59

V = 14.4; Size 0.8'x0.8'

24" (2/16/15 and 2/14/15): at 322x; faint to fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, ~25"x20", weak concentration with a very small brighter nucleus. A mag 13.5-14 star is at the east-northeast edge [21" from center]. This star is the last of four in a northwest to southeast string with two mag 13 stars and a mag 11 star at the northwest end. Also, a fainter mag 14.5 star is superimposed on the north edge - just 10" from center!

Forms a double system with PGC 200236 at the northeast edge [30" from center]. At 450x, it was seen as a very faint round knot (not 100%, but often visible with concentration), roughly 6" diameter.

17.5" (11/25/87): faint, very small, round. A mag 14 star is at the east edge 22" from center. A chain of four stars begin with a mag 14 star 40" N and forms a line to the NW. Located 3' N of mag 8.8 SAO 115540. This is a double system in contact, though the fainter companion (PGC 200236) at the NE edge was not noticed.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2402 = H III-19 = h453 on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 163) and recorded "2 vS and close stars suspected to be mixed with some nebulosity, but not having a higher power at hand I could not put them to the trial. However I rather think it may be a fallacy." His position is 5' NE of UGC 3891 = PGC 21176. JH observed this galaxy on 3 sweeps, reported it as "eF; among several stars 13...14m; one = 14m is in the nebula." My position is on the brighter southwest galaxy. See Harold Corwin's comments.

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NGC 2403 = UGC 3918 = MCG +11-10-007 = CGCG 309-040 = CGCG 310-003 = LGG 176-006 = PGC 21396

07 36 50.6 +65 36 09

V = 8.5; Size 21.9'x12.3'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 127d

48" (4/15/10): this amazing multi-arm spiral stretched across the entire 15' at 330x, with the major axis running NW to SE. A striking prominent spiral arm is attached near the NW end and sweeps counter-clockwise 180° along the northern side of the galaxy, tapering as it extends to a point roughly 5' SE of the core. The arm is widest near the NW end, where it begins sweeping east. A second inner arm attaches near the SE end of the main body and tightly hugs the southern side of the galaxy as sweeps to the NW side. A more ill-defined branch heads west from the SE end past a mag 11 star situated 2' WSW of the core. The field was too small to trace out the outer arms. Numerous HII splotches stained the surface and I only had time to quickly sketch the most obvious knots.

The supergiant HII complex NGC 2404 located 1.7' ENE of the core and 1.5' NNW of a superimposed mag 10.5 star, appeared as a very bright, irregular, 20" knot. Hodge lists NGC 2404 as A67 in his 1985 paper "Stellar Associations in the Galaxy NGC 2403". On the NW side of the galaxy is a collinear string of 3 stars oriented NE to SW with an obvious collinear knot an additional 50" SW (SPC-44 in Sivan, Petit and Comte's 1990 "Optical HII Regions in NGC 2403"; VS 3 in Véron and Sauvayre; and A14 in Hodge). Just north of the core are two HII knots, separated by 45" and both 12" in size. The western knot is catalogued as SPC-174 = VS 24 = A36 and the eastern knot as SPC-224 = VS 38 = A45 .

On the SE side of the galaxy is a pair of HII knots separated by 40". The eastern knot is SP-346 = VS 51 = A80 and is situated 1.6' SE of the mag 10.5 star and the western knot includes SPC-318/321/322. At the SE end of the spiral arm that contains NGC 2404 is another 10" knot, which includes SPC-348/351/352 = VS 52 = A81. It can be pinpointed 1.0' NE of the mag 10.5 star. On the SE end of the galaxy a fairly faint, irregular knot (SPC-331/336/343 = VS 48/49 = A73) was noticed 1' W of a mag 14 star.

18" (3/19/04): at 160x, this chaotic spiral displayed a tremendous wealth of detail with two broad, diffuse spiral arms, dark lanes, mottling and a few obvious giant HII regions. A number of stars are superimposed including two mag 11 stars. I focused on observing the HII regions that were best viewed at 323x.

The brightest is the HII complex NGC 2404 (VS 44 = SP 298) on the east side of the core 1.5' from center and 1.5' N of a mag 11 star to the SW of the core. This knot is fairly bright at 323x, perhaps 15" diameter and irregularly round.

On the NW side of the halo is a collinear string of two stars along with a fuzzy knot (VS 3 = SP 44 = A14), oriented from SW to NE. This HII knot forms the SW end of the string and is clearly nonstellar at 323x, ~15" diameter. It can also be pinpointed 2.4' NW of the mag 11 star west of the core (middle of three in a E-W string).

At the NNW edge of the core is a mag 13.5 "star" that does not focus sharply and appears to be another HII knot (VS 24 = SPC-174 = A36). Close following is a fainter, but definite nonstellar knot ~10" diameter (VS 38 = SPC-224 = A45).

Finally, returning to star on the SW edge of the core, a fainter mag 14 star is close south with a weak nebulous glow attached (SPC-221/222/225). This region is also catalogued as A41 in Hodge's 1985 "Stellar Associations in the Galaxy NGC 2403" from PASP, 97, 1065 .

17.5" (2/28/87): very bright, very large, bright core, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 15'x6'. Impressive galaxy with spiral structure clearly visible. Two spiral arms are attached at opposite ends of the central region and both wind almost 180°. The tip of the northern arm ends at the emission nebula NGC 2404. Several stars are superimposed including two mag 11 stars.

17.5" (2/22/87): two spiral arms are visible on attached at the opposite sides of the galaxy and winding a half of revolution. The northern arm ends at the HII knot NGC 2404. The galaxy has a mottled appearance.

13" (1/11/86): spiral arm definite on the west side of the galaxy with a dark gap between this arm and the main body (core). This feature is very faint but definite with averted.

13" (12/22/84): spiral arm highly suspected attached at the west side winding along the north side to a faint knot = NGC 2404.

13" (1/28/84): very bright, large bright core. NGC 2404 is clearly visible as a faint, very small nebulous knot along the east side of the galaxy. Spiral structure (arms) is just suspected. On 3/24/84 the knot was difficult to view at 144x, but on 1/11/86 was fairly easy.

8" (1/1/84): bright, large, bright core, faint star superimposed, mottled?

William Herschel discovered NGC 2403 = H V-44 on 1 Nov 1788 (sweep 879) and recorded "cB; R; vgbM; BN; 6 or 7' dia; resembling a star with a misty atmosphere." His summary description, also based on a later observation, states "with a faint branch extending a great way to the np side; not less than 1/2 degree; and to the n or nf the nebulosity diffused over a space, I am pretty sure, not less than a whole degree." Obviously, his size estimate is well off, but his description of a "faint branch extending a great way to the np side" applies to the spiral side on the west side and the comment "to the n or nf the nebulosity is diffused over a space" probably applies to the northern arm that extends to the east (and contains NGC 2404).

Based on photographs taken with the 60-inch reflector at Mt Wilson, Francis Pease (1917) remarked "This fine right-handed spiral nebula resembles M33...Faint knots and arms extend as far as 10' from the center. It does not contains the wealth of detail of M33, but has the same sharp stellar images, the nebulous stars [HII regions], the bunching of these knots and the dark streaks.."

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NGC 2404 = [VS65] 44 = [SPC90] 298 = [H85] A67

07 37 07.1 +65 36 39

Size 20"

48" (4/15/10): The supergiant HII complex NGC 2404 (perhaps 2000 light-years across) is located 1.7' ENE of the core and 1.5' NNW of a superimposed mag 10.5 star. It appeared as a very bright, irregular, 20" knot. At the relatively low power of 330x, I quickly logged 8 HII knots in the galaxy (see description of NGC 2403).

18" (3/19/04): brightest of 3 or 4 HII regions visible in NGC 2403. Fairly bright at 160x, small, round. Located just east of the core, 1.5' from center, and 1.5' N of a prominent mag 11 star to the SW of the core.

17.5" (2/22/87): this is a prominent knot (superassociation) located at the end of the northern spiral arm of NGC 2403. Appears fairly faint, small, round, clearly nonstellar.

13": extremely small emission "knot" at the east end of NGC 2403.

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 2404 = Big. 28, a superassociation/HII region in NGC 2403, on 2 Feb 1886 with the 12.4-inch refractor of Paris Observatory. The NGC position, based on Bigoudan's original published position in list I, is in error but Bigourdan later measured and published an accurate position in his five volume (3000 pages) compilation (Annales de l'Observatoire de Paris). RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7), although Type 35 (diffuse nebula in galaxy) would be more appropriate.

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NGC 2405 = MCG +04-18-026 = CGCG 117-051 = VV 643 = PGC 21224

07 32 14.0 +25 54 23

V = 13.8; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 95d

17.5" (2/8/91): very faint, small, very low even surface brightness. A mag 15.5 star is just off the north edge.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2405 = m 105 on 7 Nov 1864 with Lassell's 48" and recorded "vF, S, iR." His position is 1' S of CGCG 117-51 = PGC 21224.

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NGC 2406 = MCG +03-19-021 = CGCG 086-041 = CGCG 087-002 = PGC 21218

07 31 47.7 +18 17 17

V = 13.9; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8

17.5" (1/31/87): very faint, small, round, faint core, slightly smaller and fainter than NGC 2407 3.4' NNE.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2406 = St XIII-30 on 7 Feb 1885 (along with NGC 2407 = St XIII-31) with the 31" silvered-glass reflector at the Marseille Observatory. His position matches CGCG 086-041.

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NGC 2407 = UGC 3896 = MCG +03-20-001 = CGCG 086-042 = CGCG 087-003 = PGC 21220

07 31 56.7 +18 19 59

V = 13.4; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 75d

17.5" (1/31/87): faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 2406 3.4' SSW. Located 7' W of mag 7.8 SAO 96995.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2407 = St XIII-31 on 7 Feb 1885 (along with NGC 2406 = St XIII-30) with the 31" silvered-glass reflector at the Marseille Observatory. His position matches UGC 3896 = PGC 21220.

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NGC 2408

07 40 32 +71 40 30

Size 20'

18" (3/13/04): at 115x, ~50 stars mag 9.5 and fainter are scattered in a 20' triangular group. The group is unconcentrated and there are only a few stars within the interior of the outline. Strings of stars extend off the triangle so there no clear boundaries to the group and it appears to be a chance asterism or an open cluster remnant. A mag 9 star is on the west side of the group.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2408 = h452 in Jan 1830 and noted "A very loose scattered cluster of large stars, or a starry place." His position corresponds with a mag 9 star. Harold Corwin identifies a scattered group of mag 10-12 stars (asterism) with a diameter of ~20'. Bica et al, classify this object as a "possible open cluster remnant" (2001A&A...366..827B).

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NGC 2409 = Bochum 4 = Lund 1128

07 31 37 -17 11 24

V = 7.3; Size 2'

18" (3/2/08): at 175x, this is a 2' group of 8 stars with no faint members, so it appears to be an asterism. The two brightest mag 8.5/9 stars are part of a boxy quadrilateral with the other 4 stars grouped into two wide pairs. The three brightest stars are resolved in the 80mm finder at 25x. Sh 2-302, a very faint large HII region is centered ~13' N.

17.5" (2/9/02): small, bright, distinctive group of 8 stars mag 9-11.5 in a 2' knot. Includes two mag 9 stars in a small quadrilateral and two other pairs. Stands out well in the field, though seems too sparse to be a real cluster (Bochum 4).

John Herschel discovered NGC 2409 = h3086 on 12 Feb 1836 and noted "a small but brillliant group of 6 or 8 large stars, 8, 9, 10m, within a very small compass." His position matches this small, bright group of stars. While observing with the 72", Dreyer called this group "only 4 stars 9...11 mag and some fainter ones. I suppose there are millions of such clusters." Herbert Howe noted it "Consists of 10 scattered stars." This knot of stars is plotted on Norton's Star Atlas and described in Webb but RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2410 = UGC 3917 = MCG +05-18-023 = CGCG 177-035 = CGCG 147-043 = PGC 21336

07 35 02.4 +32 49 18

V = 13.0; Size 2.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 31d

17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated SW-NE, bright core. A pair of mag 14 stars are 1.0' SE and 1.5' SSE of center.

Truman Safford discovered NGC 2410 = Sf 74 on 5 Feb 1867 with the 18.5" refractor at the Dearborn Observatory and recorded "pS, pB, vmb M N = 12-13m." Safford's discovery, though, was not published until 1887, too late to be credited in the NGC. Stephan independently found the galaxy on 2 Feb 1877, recorded it in list VIIIb-20, and was credited with the discovery in the GC Supplement (5388) and the NGC. It was later found again by Stephane Javelle on 11 Feb 1898 and described in list III-1005 as "F, E 250 deg, 1' long, gbM, r."

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NGC 2411 = UGC 3914 = MCG +03-20-005 = CGCG 177-035 = PGC 21315

07 34 36.3 +18 16 53

V = 13.6; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 50d

24" (2/14/15): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 24"x18", well concentrated with a very small bright nucleus. A mag 14 star is just west of the southwest end.

Forms a close pair with PGC 1555546 just 1.0' NE. The companion was extremely faint, 12" diameter, occasionally popped in the same position, but could not hold for any interval

17.5" (1/31/87): fairly faint, small, almost round, sharp concentration. PGC 1555546, a faint companion off the NE side, was not seen.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2411 = St XIII-32 on 7 Feb 1885. His position matches UGC 3914 = PGC 21315.

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NGC 2412

07 34 21.5 +08 32 44

=**, Gottlieb. =NF, RNGC.

Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 2412 in 1886 with the 15.5-inch Cooke refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in Scarborough, England. At his position is a pair of mag 12.2/13.8 stars at 14" separation that match Lohse's description of a nearby bright star. The mean position of these two stars is used. Only 3 of his 16 objects in the NGC are galaxies (two others were earlier discoveries), the rest being stars or missing.

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NGC 2413

07 33 18.5 -13 07 09

Size 10'

18" (3/13/04): appears as two groups of stars symmetrically placed to the north and south of mag 8.7 HD 60307. The southern group is richer and contains nearly three dozen stars within 5'. The northern group contains more mag 10-11 stars but is not as rich with two dozen stars in 7'. This group is probably not a true cluster. Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2413 = H VIII-52 on 19 Mar 1786 (sweep 540) and called it "a cluster of vL coarsely scattered stars, not rich, nearly R." His position is 1.5' north of mag 8.8 HD 60307, on the south side of the group.

JH did not reobserve this object but it was described at Birr Castle on 3 Jan 1873 as a "very loose Cl, scarcely more compressed than the neighborhood." Brian Skiff notes two clumps in a 10' diameter. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2414 = Cr 150 = OCL-598 = Lund 352

07 33 13 -15 27 12

V = 7.9; Size 4'

18" (3/2/08): very pretty cluster with ~40 stars mag 12-14 resolved in a 4'x3' group using the 13mm Ethos (175x). A mag 8.2 star (HD 60308) is superimposed at the center and sprays of stars to the NW, north and east appear to radiate outward from the bright star. A half a dozen brighter mag 10-10.5 stars form an 8' incomplete ring that partially encompasses the cluster (open to the east).

13.1" (1/11/86): about 20 faint stars surrounding mag 8.2 SAO 153056 with some unresolved background haze. The cluster members are arranged in two curving lanes with a mag 8.2 star at the center, elongated ~E-W. Pretty view at high power.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2414 = H VIII-37 = h455 on 4 Feb 1785 (sweep 366) and recorded "A small cluster of scattered stars of various sizes, not very rich." JH noted "a cl with 1 st 9m; not rich." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 2415 = UGC 3930 = MCG +06-17-021 = CGCG 177-038 = PGC 21399

07 36 56.6 +35 14 32

V = 12.4; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.0

17.5" (2/13/88): moderately bright, fairly small, round, bright core. Located 2.0' SW of mag 9.1 SAO 60227. Bracketed by two mag 14 stars just 0.6' NW and 0.9' ESE of center.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2415 = H II-821 = h456 on 10 Mar 1790 (sweep 937) and called "pB, cS, resolvable, preceding a considerable star." His position is 1.2' WNW of UGC 3930. JH observed this galaxy on two sweeps, noting "a curious, almost planetary neb 10" diam R; light nearly equable; between 2 small stars."

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NGC 2416 = UGC 3925 = MCG +02-20-002 = CGCG 058-008 = PGC 21358

07 35 41.5 +11 36 43

V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 110d

17.5" (11/25/87): very faint, fairly small, round, diffuse, even surface brightness.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2416 = m 106 on 26 Jan 1865 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted as "eF, S." His position is 9 sec of RA east and 1' south of UGC 3925. There are no other nearby candidates, so this identification is certain

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NGC 2417 = ESO 123-015 = AM 0729-620 = LGG 144-006 = PGC 21155

07 30 12.1 -62 15 10

V = 12.0; Size 2.8'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 81d

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x appears bright, large, oval 4:3 or 3:2 WSW-ENE, ~3'x2', broadly concentrated with a large, brighter core. A very faint star is at the south edge of the halo. The galaxy pair IC 2200A and IC 2200B lies 15' SW. This galaxy is at the east end of a group of galaxies including NGC 2381, NGC 2369, NGC 2369A, NGC 2369B and IC 2200/2200A.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2417 = h3087 on 8 Mar 1836 and recorded "vF, L, R, gbM, resolvable. Is no doubt a very distant cluster of 6th class." His position matches ESO 123-15 = PGC 21155.

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NGC 2418 = Arp 165 = UGC 3931 = MCG +03-20-008 = CGCG 087-017 = PGC 21382

07 36 37.5 +17 53 02

V = 12.2; Size 1.8'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.5

17.5" (1/31/87): moderately bright, fairly small, round, broadly concentrated halo, bright stellar nucleus.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2418 = St VIIIb-21 on 23 Jan 1874. His position matches UGC 3931.

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NGC 2419 = Intergalactic Wanderer

07 38 08.5 +38 52 55

V = 10.3; Size 4.6'; Surf Br = 0.3

17.5" (3/20/93): fairly faint, round, 2' diameter, gradually brighter core but no well-defined nucleus, mottled appearance although no resolution into stars. Framed by a quadrilateral of four mag 13-14 stars and a few other faint stars. Collinear with mag 7.0 SAO 60232 4' W and mag 7.9 SAO 60229 8' W. The "Intergalactic Tramp" is one of most distant globulars from earth and may be the core of an accreted dwarf galaxy.

8": very faint, small, round, no resolution. Collinear with two mag 8 stars to the west and a mag 9 star in the field W.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2419 = H I-218 = h457 on 31 Dec 1788 (sweep 901) and wrote "cB, R, vgmbM, about 3' diameter." JH observed this gc on two sweeps and remarked "not vB; L; pmE in parallel; 2' l and 75" br." This is an interesting observation as the globular is generally described as round. The first time it was logged at Birr Castle on 9 Mar 1850, Lord Rosse remarked "I think clearly resolved, several points, at least 3 seen plainly in edge which I suspect to be filamentous; no nucl., more round than h[erschel] describes it." The 13 Feb 1852 observation even notes "Lord Rosse thought it like a cluster at a great distance."

NGC 2419 was shown to be globular cluster in 1922 on a plate taken at Lowell Observatory. Shapley estimated a distance of 160,000 l.y. (current estimate ~275,000 l.y. in the outer halo) and along with Sawyer, assigned it concentration class II. He may have been the first to use the nickname "Intergalactic Tramp" in the 1944 paper "Revision of the Distances of 30 high-latitude Globular Clusters."

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NGC 2420 = Cr 154 = Mel 69 = OCL-488

07 38 24 +21 34 30

V = 8.3; Size 10'

18" (3/15/10): this is a rich, pretty group at low power with roughly 80-100 stars in a 10' region at 175x. Higher power brings out the fainter members. The brightest mag 9.4 star is at the west end of the cluster and forms a large mag contrast pair with a 13th companion 12" south. On the north end of the cluster is an equally spaced, collinear trio with separations of 14". The brighter stars in the cluster are pretty evenly distributed. Many of the fainter stars are in a 2'-3' patch that follows the mag 9.4 star and which includes some unresolved haze. A couple of brighter mag 8-9 stars are in the field to the south of the cluster and also to the north.

17.5" (1/23/93): excellent cluster of at least 50 stars mag 11-15 within a 6' diameter. Good spread of magnitudes, includes 15 stars mag 11-13 over a rich background of numerous mag 14-15 stars and unresolved haze. The brightest mag 10 star is on the west side and has a mag 13 companion 12" S. Located between mag 9.1 SAO 79575 6' NNE and mag 8.9 SAO 79563 6' SSW. A faint galaxy pair, CGCG 117-059 and CGCG 117-060 (separation is just 40"), is in the field 10' WNW! Both of these are extremely faint and small.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2420 = H VI-1 = h458 on 19 Nov 1783 (very early sweep and 4th object discovered) and recorded "a beautiful cluster of many large and compressed small stars, about 12' diameter." On 10 Feb 1787 (sweep 697) he noted "A brilliant rich cluster of stars." JH called it "a p rich cl; irreg fig; 50...100 stars; 11...18m; 5..7' diam. His position was accurate.

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NGC 2421 = Cr 151 = Mel 67 = OCL-626

07 36 12 -20 36 42

V = 8.3; Size 10'

18" (3/2/08): ~80 stars mag 10-15 stars are resolved at 175x within a 10' region. Includes a large number of mag 11-12 stars. The group is well-detached in the field, particularly on the west, north and southeast sides. One concentration of stars is on the soiuthwest side. Just to the northeast, a number of the cluster's stars form the outline of a large, equilateral triangle. A rich clump of stars is the center of this triangle including a mag 11/11.5 pair at 18". At 225x, ~100 stars are visible, although the cluster spreads out too much to be pleasing at this power.

25x80mm (3/2/08): appears as a fairly large, richly glowing region with a few brighter stars resolved.

17.5" (3/7/92): about 60 mag 10-14 stars in a 10' field. Many stars are similar magnitudes and the cluster is pretty evenly distributed. Brighter stars at the borders give a triangular outline including mag 10.5 stars at the SW, SE and NE edges. A wide brighter double star (ARA 962 =10.9/11.5 at 18") oriented N-S lies NE of center and two faint companions are also near.

8" (1/1/84): almost three dozen faint stars, triangular-shape, rich field.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2421 = H VII-67 = h3089 on 30 Jan 1799 (sweep 1089) and described "a cluster of compressed stars, considerably rich." JH recorded it from the Cape of Good Hope as "a large fine rich cluster, not much compressed, but nearly filling the field. Stars 11..13th mag, no conspicuous star, place that of a coarse double stars 11th mag."

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NGC 2422 = M47 = NGC 2478 = Cr 152

07 36 35 -14 29 00

V = 4.4; Size 30'

18" (3/2/08): this naked-eye cluster is stunning at 73x (31 Nagler), though at 30' diameter is too spread out for higher powers. The stars are arranged in beautiful chains and groups. The brightest half-dozen stars are in a 10' subgroup in the center including a striking white double star (∑1121 = 7.0/7.3 at 7") that is is surrounded by many stars in chains and loops. The brightest star on the west side is a wide, unequal double (5.7/9.7 at 20"). Perhaps 200 stars are scattered around at low power.

13.1" (11/5/83): very bright, very large, fairly rich, impressive. Includes double stars ∑1121 = 7.9/7.9 at 7" in the center and ∑1120 = 5.7/9.6 at 20" on the west side. Easy naked-eye object in a dark sky.

8": very bright, large but scattered, includes ∑1121 = 8/8 at 7" near core and ∑1120 on west side, many colored stars.

Caroline Herschel independently discovered M47 = NGC 2422 = H VIII-38 = h459 = h3088 on 26 Feb 1783. WH found the cluster again on 4 Feb 1785 (sweep 366) and recorded "a very coarsely scattered cluster of several vL and other different sized stars." His summary description (including a second observation) reads "a cluster of pretty compressed large and small stars, round, above 15' diameter." From the Cape of Good Hope, JH called this "a very large, pretty rich splendid cluster, which more than fills the field. Place of the chief star a find double star."

Giovanni Hodierna probably was the first to discover M47 before 1654 and simply recorded "a Nebulosa between the two dogs". Charles Messier rediscovered it 117 years later on 19 Feb 1771, though he clearly made an error as there is nothing at his position. Messier's missing object was assigned GC 1594 and NGC 2478. In 1959, Canadian amateur T.F. Morris identified M47 as identical to NGC 2422. See notes for NGC 2478.

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NGC 2423 = Cr 153 = Mel 70 = OCL-592

07 37 07 -13 52 18

V = 6.7; Size 19'

18" (3/2/08): at 175x, ~100 stars are resolved in a 18' region with an excellent double at the center (h3983 = 9.1/9.7 at 8"). The stars are pretty evenly distributed with no rich subgroups though with several doubles and small groupings.

13.1" (1/28/84): about 50 stars in 15' field. Fairly rich in faint stars. A mag 9 double star is near the center. The primary, itself, is a very close pair (RST 3532 = 9.6/10.2 at 0.5"). Located 37' N of M47.

25x80mm finder (3/2/08): A chain of stars extends north from M47 to this obvious glow with a few resolved stars superimposed.

15x50 IS binoculars (1/15/07): visible about 40' N of M47 in binoculars as a faint glow with the brighter mag 9 and 10 stars resolved.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2423 = H VII-28 = h3090 on 19 Mar 1786 (sweep 540) and noted "a cluster of pS stars, pretty rich, 15' diameter." His position is accurate. JH observed the cluster from the Cape of Good Hope and recorded "a very large, rich fine cluster of small stars which nearly fills the field. Place that of a double star, class II."

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NGC 2424 = UGC 3959 = MCG +07-16-009 = CGCG 206-015 = FGC 649 = PGC 21558

07 40 39.3 +39 13 58

V = 12.6; Size 3.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 81d

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, edge-on 5:1 WSW-ENE, very small bright core, faint stellar nucleus, very thin extensions from core. Located 7' WNW of mag 7.8 SAO 60267. The distant globular cluster NGC 2419 lies 37' SW.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2424 = St XIII-33 on 6 Feb 1885 and described "vF; pS; lbM; mE WSW-ENE; length ~1'." His position and description matches UGC 3959 = PGC 21558.

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NGC 2425 = OCL-599 = Lund 363

07 38 18 -14 52 42

Size 3'

18" (3/2/08): at 175x, ~18 stars are resolved over haze in a small 4'x2' group elongated WSW-ENE. At 225x, perhaps two dozen stars are visible. On the east end is a distinctive line of 5 stars oriented SW-NE, though the richest clump of stars is at the west end of the cluster.

13.1" (1/11/86): 15 stars mag 13.5-15.0 over haze in a 4'x2' region elongated ~E-W. Four collinear mag 13 stars are on the east end. Lies SE of M47.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2425 = H VIII-87 on 8 Mar 1793 (sweep 1034) and noted "a small cluster of small stars, not very rich." His position is 2' too far south.

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NGC 2426 = UGC 3977 = MCG +09-13-038 = CGCG 262-022 = PGC 21648

07 43 18.5 +52 19 06

V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 2.7' NNW of a mag 10 star. Forms a pair with NGC 2429 5' NE. Misplotted on the U2000 due to a typo in declination (30' too far N) in the RNGC.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2426 = H II-822 = h460 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 945) and called it "pF, R, resolvable, vgbM." His position (based on Auwers reduction) is less than 1' SW of UGC 3977 = PGC 21648. The RNGC declination is 30' too far north and because of this error, the galaxy was misplotted on the first edition of the Uranometria 2000 atlas.

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NGC 2427 = ESO 208-027 = PGC 21375

07 36 27.8 -47 38 08

V = 11.5; Size 5.2'x2.2'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 122d

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this large, unusual galaxy is set in a very rich Milky Way field and appears as a diffuse, very large, elongated glow with a low surface brightness and a size of ~4.5'x2.0'. A star is superimposed and mimics an offset stellar nucleus, but otherwise there is little concentration. Situated nearly at the midpoint of two mag 10 stars 5.5' SW and 5.5' NE. The cometary globular CG 4 and ESO 257-019 lies 45' NNW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2427 = h3091 on 1 Mar 1835 and recorded "eF, L, pmE, vlbM, involves two stars." His position is 1.5' NE of the center of ESO 208-027 = PGC 21375.

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NGC 2428

07 39 18 -16 32

Size 10'

18" (2/4/08): at 175x, roughly 40 stars in 10' barely stand out as a group within a rich Milky Way field. Most eye-catching is a small trapezoidal group with a double star at the NW vertex and a wide pair at the SE vertex. A string of 3 stars oriented SW-NE is within the trapezoid. Off the SE vertex an oval chain of stars extends south and west before looping back towards the trapezoid. There are no dense regions and this appears to be an asterism. An even weaker concentration of stars about 10' NNE may be NGC 2430. Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2428 = H VIII-47, along with NGC 2430, on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503), and noted "A very much scattered and vL cl or stars; or rather the milky way very much crowded with stars not differing much in size and colour." His position is 10' south of H VIII-46 = NGC 2430 and corresponds with a fairly rich star field on the DSS. RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent.

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NGC 2429 = VV 284 = UGC 3983 = MCG +09-13-039 = CGCG 262-023 = PGC 21664

07 43 47.6 +52 21 27

V = 13.8; Size 1.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 145d

17.5" (2/8/91): faint, small, very elongated 4:1 NW-SE, low even surface brightness. A mag 13.5 star is involved at the SE end 0.3' from center and a mag 11 star is 0.8' SE. Forms a pair with NGC 2426 5.0' SW.

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 2429 on 10 Mar 1874 with the 72" and recorded "pF, pS, vmE 146.4°, att to a *12 at sf end." Copeland's description and micrometric offset from a mag 10 star matches the double system UGC 3983. MCG lists the two components separately: MCG +09-13-039 = NGC 2429A and MCG +09-13-040 = NGC 2429B.

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NGC 2430

07 39 30 -16 20 24

Size 8'

18" (2/4/08): scattered, undistinguished group with three brighter stars (separations of 3'-4') including mag 8.5 HD 61553 and two mag 10-10.5 stars. A small group of fainter stars is the south of the mag 9 star and a larger group of faint stars is just north of the triangle of brighter stars. Even so, there is really nothing here to catch my eye and it clearly appears to be a random Milky Way star field. Just 10' SSW is NGC 2428, another unimpressive Milky Way concentration. Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2430 = H VIII-46, along with NGC 2428, on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and reported "a very large but coarsely scattered cluster of stars." There is nothing that stands out significantly visually at his position as noted in my observation, so this identification is very uncertain. See Corwin's identification notes for more.

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NGC 2431 = NGC 2436? = UGC 3999 = MCG +09-13-042 = CGCG 262-024 = PGC 21711

07 45 13.4 +53 04 30

V = 13.4; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 35d

17.5" (3/20/93): faint, small, round, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 11.5 star is 1.7' SE and a fainter mag 13 star is 2.2' W.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2431 = H III-829 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 945) and noted "eF, vS, R, bM." Auwers' reduced position is 2.8' north of UGC 3999 = PGC 21711. NGC 2436 is possibly a duplicate observation.

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NGC 2432 = Cr 157 = Mel 73 = Lund 369

07 40 54 -19 05 12

Size 8'

18" (3/2/08): at 175x, appears a very distinctive 5' N-S string with a total of ~60 stars resolved in a 5'x3' area. The richest part is along the string with numerous mag 13-14.5 stars packed tightly. The north side of the string bifurcates into two prongs.

13.1" (1/11/86): three dozen faint stars mag 12-15 in a very elongated string oriented N-S with dimensions 5'x1.5'. This is a rich, pretty group with several pairs.

13.1" (1/18/85): ~35 faint stars in an elongated string along one side of bright trapezoid of stars.

8" (3/28/81): rich in faint stars or haze, small, elongated.

80mm (3/2/08): faintly visible in the finder at 25x as a thin, elongated glow N-S.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2432 = H VI-36 = h3092 on 4 Mar 1790 (sweep 934) and described a "very compressed cluster of small, and some large stars; extended nearly in the meridian; the most compressed part is about 8' long and 2' broad, with many stars scattered around it to a considerable distance." In his 1814 PT paper, Herschel speculated "the construction of this cluster may have arisen from the situation of many stars in the same plane, drawn towards a centre by the clustering power, for any plane seen obliquely will have the appearance of an extended form." From the Cape of Good Hope, JH called this "a rather irregular cluster of 8th class, pretty much compressed. The most compressed part forms a ridge or body of stars elongated in the meridian. Stars 12..15th mag with larger outliers."

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NGC 2433

07 42 43.5 +09 15 33

Size 6"

24" (1/28/17): at 375x; two of the components of this faint, close triple star were resolved. The brightest (mag ~14.8) is at the north end, with a mag 15 component just 5" SE. At 450x, the third component (mag 15.6) was occasionally resolved 5" south of the northern star. So, the three stars formed a tiny equilateral triangle of sides 5"!

John Herschel discovered NGC 2433 = h462 on 19 Jan 1828 and logged "eF, has a *15 90" dist 30 deg [north-preceding]." At JH's position (07 42 43.5 +09 15 33) is a close triple star (separations ~5"-6") that Corwin identifies as NGC 2433. The star JH mentions north-preceding is at 50" separation. RNGC and PGC misidentify CGCG 058-029 = PGC 21634 as NGC 2433. HyperLeda has a "placeholder" LEDA 3325911 for NGC 2433 at the position of the triple and calls the object type unknown.

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NGC 2434 = ESO 059-005 = LGG 147-002 = PGC 21325

07 34 51.3 -69 17 03

V = 11.3; Size 2.5'x2.3'; Surf Br = 13.1

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this galaxy is located 16' NW of the remarkable barred spiral, NGC 2442. At 260x it appeared bright, moderately large, slightly elongated 5:4, ~1.0'x0.8' in diameter. Sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright core. Mag 6.9 Delta Vol lies 15' NE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2434 = h3096 on 23 Dec 1834 and measured it on 5 sweeps. His original description reads "pB, R, gpmbM, 35"." and his position matches ESO 059-005 = PGC 21325.

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NGC 2435 = UGC 3996 = MCG +05-19-002 = CGCG 147-062 = CGCG 148-004 = PGC 21676

07 44 13.5 +31 39 03

V = 12.8; Size 2.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 36d

17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE. The halo is evenly concentrated down to a small bright core containing a stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is 1.2' NE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2435 = H II-616 on 26 Oct 1786 (sweep 628) and noted "F, S, lbM." His position is 2' northwest of UGC 3996 = PGC 21676.

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NGC 2436

07 45 48.3 +52 02 17

=**, Gottlieb. = NGC 2431:, Corwin. =*, RNGC.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2436 = h461 on 16 Feb 1831 and recorded "vF, S, R, bM, diam 8"." About 3' west of his position is a faint pair of mag 14.4/15.4 stars with a separation of 8" that could be his object. The mean position of these two stars given here. But Harold Corwin notes that JH's position is exactly 1.0 min of RA east and 1 degree south of NGC 2431 and the description matches the bright core. As the errors are just single digits, he feels NGC 2436 is more likely a duplicate of NGC 2431, though I feel the faint pair of stars is also a possibility.

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NGC 2437 = M46 = Cr 159

07 41 47 -14 48 36

V = 6.1; Size 27'

17.5" (3/16/96): At 100x, M46 fills a large portion of the field and there are a few hundred stars fairly evenly distributed in a 35' field. The cluster appears slightly elongated E-W although there are no clear borders. There is no increase in concentration towards the center and except for two brighter stars on the west side the cluster is unusually uniform in brightness (mag 11-13) and distribution in the main body. There is a noticeable 2' void, though, very close to the center of the cluster. Around the periphery the distribution becomes quite scraggly and the cluster mixes with the general field density. The beautiful annular planetary NGC 2438 is situated in the north side of the cluster.

8": bright, very rich, large, includes a couple of mag 9 stars but most stars are mag 10-13 and fairly uniform in magnitude and distribution except for a gap near the center. Contains the striking pn NGC 2438 at the NE edge. Faint naked-eye object in a dark sky.

Charles Messier discovered M46 = NGC 2437 = h463 on 19 Feb 1771. WH described the cluster (unpublished) on 19 Mar 1786 as "a beautiful, very rich, compressed cluster of stars of various magnitudes." JH reported "the brightest part of a v fine rich cl; stars = 10m; which fills the field. Within the cluster at its n edge is a fine planetary nebula [NGC 2438]."

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NGC 2438 = PK 231+4.2 = PN G231.8+04.1

07 41 50.6 -14 44 07

V = 11.5; Size 73"x68"

48" (2/20/12): at 488x, much of the same detail described in the 4/15/10 observation was seen, though not as much detail in the ring. Besides the slightly off-center bright star (the ionizing star is a mag 17.5-18 companion) and a mag 14.5 star ~15" SW, a 16th mag star is at the edge of the rim on the SW side. A mag 16 star on the SE side appears just inside the bright ring. Finally another 16th mag star is near the north edge of the annulus, but clearly within the planetary, for a total of 5 interior stars. The outer rim brightens at this point in a 90° arc to the east and is slightly flattened. The challenging Calabash Nebula (protoplanetary) lies 6.5' ENE.

48" (4/15/10): at 700x, NGC 2438 was a beautiful "cheerio" ring with a sharply defined rim of 1.2' diameter and a fairly large, dark central hole of 25-30". The mag 12.8 star in the center was prominent with a second mag 14.5 star ~15" SW of center. A third mag 16 star was just inside the annulus on the SE side, ~20" from center. The rim had a very uneven surface brightness with an impression of some radial streaks and one or two additional faint, embedded stars. The rim was noticeably brighter along the NE quadrant and to a slightly lesser extent along the opposite SW portion of the rim, creating a bipolar appearance. A bright mag 11 star is just off the SE side and the planetary floats in the beautifully rich star field of M46.

18" (2/24/06): beautiful view of this 70" planetary within M46 at 323x. The annulus is quite prominent and relatively thick with a weakly glowing interior. The rim is irregularly lit and a bit weaker on the NW side and brighter along the eastern edge. A mag 12.8 star is just NW of the center of the annulus (this is not the central star, though) and a fainter interior star (mag 14?) on the SW side (half-way to the rim) was also visible. A mag 11 star is just off the SE edge. At 807x, the rim is noticeably brighter and thicker on the eastern half compared to a weaker section along the NW side and an extremely faint star intermittently pops out on the NNE side on inner edge of the annulus (confirmed on 3/4/08 at Lake Sonoma).

17.5" (3/2/02): at 280x this is a beautiful, 1' diameter PN with a darker central hole at 280x situated on the NE side of the rich oc M46. A mag 13 star (not the central star) is within the central hole slightly offset NW of center. The rim is fairly uniform but slightly brighter along the NE side. The 20" central hole is clearly darker although there is not a dramatic contrast. A brighter mag 11 star is just off the SE edge (about 15"-20" SW of the mag 11 star, a faint mag 14-15 star was also intermittently visible) and a string of faint stars oriented WNW-ESE is just over 1' S. M 1-18 is located 22' NNE of NGC 2438.

13.1" (1/18/85): star near center very easy and second interior star definite.

13.1" (1/28/84): annular planetary on the NE side of M46! Fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.0' diameter. A mag 11 star is just off the SE edge and a mag 13 star is just NW of the geometric center (this is not the central star). A third extremely faint star lies on the SW side.

13.1" (11/5/83): clearly annular at 166x.

8" (1/1/84): slightly darker center, fairly small, round.

80mm (1/15/07): visible continuously in the finder using an OIII filter and a 13mm Nagler (25x) as a very faint, very small disc on the NE side of M46.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2438 = H IV-39 = h464 = h3093 on 19 Mar 1786 (sweep 540) and recorded "pB, R, resolvable, within the 46th of [Messier], almost of an equal light throughout, about 2' diameter, no connection with the cluster, which is everywhere free from nebulosity." On 8 Mar 1793 (sweep 1034) he noted "A round, pretty well defined nebula; almost of a planetary nebula aspect." JH described it from the Cape of Good Hope as "a very fine planetary nebula, oval, uniform in light, and of a very flat appearance; rather faint; diam in RA = 4 seconds; has a star 15th mag on it, and one 13th mag close to its border. This object is excentrically situated in a superb cluster of stars 12..16th mag. (46 Messier)"

Lord Rosse sketched NGC 2438 as annular on 12 Dec 1848 (published in his 1850 PT paper). It was observed 21 times at Birr Castle including using a visual spectroscope on 15 Feb 1876. William Lassell also noted the annularity using his 24" equatorial reflector on 11 Jan 1853: "The star is not in the centre, and the nebula seems to retreat from the star, leaving it on a much darker ground than the external parts of the nebula. With slight attention another star is seen; and two or three points or bright spots in the nebula occasionally catch the eye." His sketch was published in his 1854 MRAS paper (figure 5) on observations from Malta. Perhaps following Lassell's lead, Secchi sketched in 1856 the "central star" slightly eccentric, along with a second interior star using the 9.5" refractor in Rome.

Based on Crossley photographs, Curtis (1918) reported "the nebula is a very irregular, broad, patchy ring 68" in diameter. The star at SW lies in a gap in the ring."

This planetary is not physically associated with M46 based on differing radial velocities and the youthful age of cluster and is probably superimposed in foreground). Les Dalrymple states a distance of 4500 l.y. for the cluster and only 3000 l.y for the planetary in a S&T article (Dec 2002).

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NGC 2439 = Cr 158 = Mel 74

07 40 45 -31 41 36

V = 6.9; Size 10'

17.5" (1/19/91): at 220x, 70 stars visible in a 10' diameter. Bright, fairly large, elongated N-S. This is a rich, pleasing cluster and includes mag 6.7 R Puppis on the northeast edge. About 1' SW and 2' SSE of R Puppis are two easy but prominent double stars equally spaced with similar magnitudes but with perpendicular orientations (N-S and E-W). The pair 1.7' SSE is PRO 41 (9.2/10.3 at 12"). These wide double stars form a striking group and are part of an elliptical outline of stars with a void in center. Very unusual appearance!

John Herschel discovered NGC 2439 = h3094 on 28 Jan 1835 and recorded "a cluster of about 150 stars, B, pL, p rich, not much more compressed to the middle, 8' diameter, has one star 8th mag (place taken), one red one 9th mag, the rest 12..14th mag."

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NGC 2440 = PK 234+2.1 = ESO 560-PN9 = PN G234.8+02.4

07 41 55.4 -18 12 31

V = 9.3; Size 74"x42"

48" (2/20/12): the view of this explosive appearing planetary was remarkably detailed at 488x and 814x. The very high surface brightness central region is irregularly shaped with a very ragged periphery, giving the impression that the central region is erupting or bursting. Within the east side of the central portion are two intense condensations or knots, oriented ~N-S, with the southern knot brighter. A third, smaller elongated knot is just west and sits close to the center. The main body is elongated nearly 2:1 SW-NE, roughly 1.1'x0.6', but with an irregular outline. The southwest end of the planetary dims and protrudes out, creating a cup-shaped hollow with a very small brighter knot at its southwest tip. A prominent partial loop or outer wing is attached on the northwest edge of the central section, like a spiral arm, and swings clockwise to the west and slightly south. The eastern portion of the planetary consists of a large complete, irregular loop (darker in the interior), giving the strong appearance of being blown out from the central region.

17.5" (2/14/99): this bi-polar planetary reveals fascinating detail at 380x! The compact high surface brightness inner region is elongated NNW-SSE. Two bright knots comprise both ends and the surface brightness is irregular. The nebulosity is much weaker SW of the main body with a cup-shaped dark "notch" protruding into this central bar. The outer halo is oriented SW-NE with a brighter wing similar to a spiral arm attached at the west edge which swings back towards the south. The outer nebulosity is weaker and less well-defined on the north and NE sides.

13" (2/23/85): very bright and small with a very high surface brightness. This planetary has a double shell structure with an elongated box-shape oriented NW-SE and a fainter shell oriented SW-NE. One or two condensations are visible in the central part. Located 3.0' W of mag 8.4 orange HD 62167.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2440 = H IV-64 = h3095 on 4 Mar 1790 (sweep 934) and described a "beautiful planetary nebula of a considerable degree of brightness, but not very well defined. About 12 or 15" in diameter."

William Lassell observed NGC 2440 in Jan 1853 with his 24-inch equatorial reflector on Malta. He commented, "no description can do justice to this singular object. With 150 it just attracts the eye in sweeping, as a a bluish-white spot, a few seconds in diameter. A most extraordinary object [at 650x], not beautiful, for it has no symmetry – but wonderful." His sketch, showing 4 or 5 knots, was included in his 1854 MRAS paper (figure 7). Father Angelo Secchi published a detailed sketch and description in 1856 using the 9.6" refractor in Rome. He noted, "It seems to consist of two twin nebulae joined to a third transverse elliptical nebula…but it is very difficult to recognize the true structure."

Ralph Copeland made a detailed observation at Birr Castle on 20 Jan 1874: "vB, pL, very blue. An eB nucleus which is E or bi-central in pos 151.4° in vF outer nebulosity, vmE 33.1° and 2' or 3' long. 35 stars in field (diam 11'), the nearest of which is *16m pos 200.8°, dist 54.8"..."

Based on Crossley photographs, Curtis (1918) reported NGC 2440 has "no central star; the strong central masses are nebulous in the shortest exposures. A very irregular and patchy oval; main portion 54"x20" in pa 37°, with a faint extension at east, north of the middle."

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NGC 2441 = UGC 4036 = MCG +12-08-015 = CGCG 331-017 = PGC 22031

07 51 54.8 +73 00 55

V = 12.2; Size 2.0'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.4

17.5" (2/22/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, diffuse. Only a very weak concentration.

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2441 = T VI-1 on 8 Aug 1882 with the 9.4-inch "Amici II" refractor (this was his only discovery with the small refractor). He reported a "Weak Neb III class but 1' dia. Found on the terrace with Amici II and seen again on 9 Aug with Amici I; bright III class." His position is off by a few arc minutes too far southeast, but this is the only nearby candidate.

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NGC 2442 = Meat-hook Galaxy = N2443 = ESO 059-008 = LGG 147-003 = PGC 21373

07 36 23.9 -69 31 48

V = 10.4; Size 5.5'x4.9'; Surf Br = 13.9

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): I was amazed how prominent the sweeping spiral arms appeared at 260x giving a stunning "S" appearance. The main bar of the galaxy is fairly bright and extended ~2:1 in a SW to NE orientation with a length of ~3'. The bar has just a weak, broad concentration with no real core but it rises sharply at the center to a very small, brighter nucleus. The main arm is attached at the northeast end of the bar and extends a short distance in that direction before dramatically bending sharply to the west (turning nearly 150°) and extending ~3.5' in length towards a mag 12.9 star. At the NW end this well-defined arm fades and broadens a little, terminating just SE of the 13th magnitude star. At the SW end of the bar, a thick arm emerges extending to the SW where it more gently curves around towards the east while fanning out. This arm is not as sharply defined as the inside (east) portion of the curve blends with a diffuse glow extending from the bar. The total distance between the tips of the arms spans nearly 5'. In the same field 10' ENE lies ESO 59-11 and NGC 2534 is 16' NNW. The field also includes a number of mag 9 to 11 stars that frame the galaxy.

20" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 127x (20mm Nagler), the main body of this unusual galaxy appeared as a fairly faint, large, thick "bar" with just a weak concentration except for an extremely small bright core. On the NE end of the bar, a faint "arm" emerged at a sharp angle towards the NW. The contrast was improved at 212x and the brighter arm was easier to view, extending at nearly a right angle to the main body and curving towards the west on the north side. On the SW end, a broad, short, low surface brightness extension was visible bending towards the SE. The main bar was elongated 2:1 SW-NE, roughly 3'x1.5', but the thick outer arm significantly increased the size to ~4.5'x2'.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2442 = h3097 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "A double nebula; very large; very faint; position of centres = 40°; diameter 4' and 3' running together, and having a star 13th magnitude at their junction." In his 2nd (of 4 sweeps) he called it "faint, very large, much elongated, very suddenly a little brighter to the middle, to a star 13th mag, like a very faint atmosphere, about a nucleus 3.5' long, 1.5' broad; pos of its extension = 39.8 . I think it has some sort of hooked appendage." The "hooked appendage" (NGC 2443) is the prominent arm on the north side (attached at the northeast end of the bar)!

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NGC 2443 = NGC 2442 = "Meat-hook Galaxy" = ESO 059-008 = PGC 21373

07 36 23.9 -69 31 48

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): This number refers to the prominent arm attached at the NE end of the bar. This arm extends a short distance in that direction before dramatically bending sharply to the west (turning nearly 150°) and extending ~3.5' in length towards a mag 12.9 star. At the NW end this well-defined arm fades and broadens a little, terminating just SE of the mag 13 star. See NGC 2442 for full description of the galaxy.

20" f/5 (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): This is the NE portion or NE spiral arm of NGC 2442. At 127x (20 Nagler), on the NE end of the bar, a faint "arm" emerged at a sharp angle towards the NW. The contrast was improved at 212x and the brighter arm was easier to view, extending at nearly a right angle to the main body and curving towards the east on the north side.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2443 = h3097 on 23 Dec 1834. In sweep 523, he described a "double nebula, vL, vF, position of centres = 40 deg, diameters 4' and 3' running together and having a star 13m at their junction." JH assigned two GC designations for the double nebula (GC 1568 and 1569) and they received two NGC designations, NGC 2442 and NGC 2443, although the latter number refers to the massive spiral arm on the northeast side of NGC 2442.

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NGC 2444 = Arp 143 NED1 = Arp 143:C1 = VV 117a = UGC 4016 = MCG +07-16-016 = CGCG 206-024 = PGC 21774

07 46 53.0 +39 01 55

V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0

48" (4/5/13): NGC 2444 is the northwest component of a remarkable interacting system with the multi-component ring galaxy NGC 2445. At 488x it appeared bright, small, slightly elongated, 30" diameter, sharply concentrated with a very high surface brightness nucleus ~12"-15" diameter. NGC 2445, directly southeast has 6 components, the nearest being VV 117b, just 0.6' SSE.

13.1" (1/18/85): forms an interacting double ring system with NGC 2445. Both appear as two nearly stellar knots oriented NNW (NGC 2444) and SSE (NGC 2445) with a separation of 1.0', surrounded by faint halo which may merge.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2444 = St VIIIb-22 on 18 Jan 1877, along with NGC 2445. His position matches the northwest component of UGC 4016.

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NGC 2445 = Arp 143 NED2 = VV 117e = UGC 4017 = MCG +07-16-017 = CGCG 206-024 = PGC 21776

07 46 55.1 +39 00 54

V = 13.3; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 15d

48" (4/5/13): this remarkable ring galaxy forms an interacting pair with NGC 2444, just 1' N. At 488x, it was resolved into six components -- the bright ring nucleus and five very small HII regions which are roughly equally spaced around the nucleus (separations between 25" and 42"). The four closest (VV 117b, 117e, 117f, 117g) form a very small square with the nucleus at the center! The nucleus appears moderately bright to fairly bright, small, round, high surface brightness, 15" diameter. The five HII regions are within an irregular, triangular glow, ~1.5' diameter.

VV 117b is at the northern end of NGC 2445, just 27" N of the nucleus and 36" SSE of NGC 2444. It appeared very faint, very small, round, 8" diameter. VV 117f is situated 25" W of the nucleus and appeared very faint to faint, very small, round, 10" diameter. VV 117h is at the SW corner (42" SW of the nucleus) and was the faintest of the 5 knots surrounding the nucleus. It appeared extremely faint and small, round, just 5" diameter. VV 117e is at the east end (35" E of the nucleus) and appeared very faint to faint, very small, irregularly round, ~12" diameter.

Finally, VV 117g is at the southeast corner, 30" S of the nucleus, and appeared fairly faint, very small, round, high surface brightness, 12" diameter. This object was the brightest of 5 "knots" surrounding the nucleus, although on the SDSS it appears to be an HII region attached to a foreground star, which certainly contributed to its brightness. In the 2009 Madore "Atlas and Catalogue of Collisional Ring Galaxies" VV 117g is identified as the second collider (C2).

13.1" (1/18/85): this is the SE component of a double galaxy with NGC 2444. Both appear as two nearly stellar knots oriented NNW (NGC 2444) and SSE (NGC 2445) with a separation of 1.0', surrounded by faint halo which may merge.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2445 = St VIIIb-23 on 18 Jan 1877, along with NGC 2444. His position matches the southeast component of UGC 4016.

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NGC 2446 = UGC 4027 = MCG +09-13-058 = CGCG 262-030 = PGC 21860

07 48 39.2 +54 36 42

V = 12.9; Size 1.9'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 130d

17.5" (2/8/91): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE. Unusual appearance as cradled by several stars including a mag 12 star at the west end, two mag 13 stars at the east end and close NW and a mag 15 star is superimposed.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2446 = h465 on 10 Feb 1831 and recorded "four small stars in a semicircle, within whose concavity there is a F nebulosity, which I am pretty sure is real." His position and description matches UGC 4027. R.J. Mitchell, observing with Lord Rosse's 72" on 11 Jan 1856 logged "pF, lE?, bM." His sketch show the 3 nearby brighter stars.

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NGC 2447 = M93 = ESO 493-SC7 = Cr 160

07 44 29 -23 51 12

V = 6.2; Size 22'

18" (3/2/08): very easy with any optical aid (at the threshold of naked-eye visibility) with a few of the brighter stars resolved in 15x50 IS binoculars. The cluster is fairly well resolved at 25x in the 80mm finder. The central region is superb in the 18" at 175x (13mm Ethos) with ~100 stars resolved in the 10' region and richest in the core. Appears fully resolved into mag 10-14 stars. A small, near parallelogram of 4 stars (sides ~40"x20") stands out near the center with numerous fainter stars nearby. The brightest star on the SW side of the cluster is a nice, unequal double (ARA 2066 = 8.3/11.3 at 10").

13.1" (3/24/84): about 60 stars, bright, large, pretty rich. Contains a tight quadrilateral near the center with three faint companions.

8": bright, very rich, triangular-shape, pretty compact, excellent field.

Charles Messier discovered M93 = NGC 2447 = h3098 on 20 Mar 1781. Caroline Herschel independently discovered the cluster on 26 Feb 1783 and recorded "Nebula, about 1 1/4 deg north preceding the bright star in the Ship [or more exactly] preceding the 1st Navis [Puppis] towards 23 Canis Majoris. My Brother examined it with [magnification] 460 and found not less than 20 stars, with 227 above 40. with a compound eyepiece perhaps 100 and 150 very beautiful, nothing nebulous among them. Messier has it not." Owen Gingerich determined that the reference to 1 (Rho) Navis, should read 7 (Zeta) Navis. Observing from the Cape of Good Hope, JH noted "A fine cluster, scarcely scattered, pretty rich, not much more comp[ressed]. M [toward the middle]. Nearly fills field. Stars 8....13 m."

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NGC 2448 = ESO 493-**8

07 44 57 -24 40 30

18" (3/13/04): at 115x, this is a fairly distinctive 15' elongated group with mag 5.6 HD 62747 near the geometric center. The stars are arranged in a concave star chain extended E-W opening towards the north with the mag 5.6 star just a couple of arc minutes north of the center of the arc.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2448 = h466 on 7 Jan 1831 and reported "a *8m followed by a poor cl of 18-20 st, 11...13m." His position is less than 1' south of mag 5.6 HD 62747. This bright star is surrounded by a several brighter stars, mostly on the following side (at the position given by Harold Corwin). RNGC classifies this asterism (not a true cluster) as nonexistent.

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NGC 2449 = UGC 4026 = MCG +05-19-007 = CGCG 148-020 = WBL 152-003 = PGC 21802

07 47 20.4 +26 55 49

V = 13.4; Size 1.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 137d

24" (2/16/15): at 300x and 375x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE. Contains low surface brightness extensions (arms) extending ~40"x20" and a sharply defined oval core 25"x12". A mag 14.7 star is just off the west side [34" from center] and a mag 15.5 is off the southwest side [35" from center].

NGC 2449 is the brightest member of a small group (WBL 152) with NGC 2450 6' NNE, IC 476 1.5' NW and IC 2205 7' SW. IC 476 appeared very faint, small, slightly elongated, ~15"x12" diameter. It required averted vision but could hold steadily.

17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated NW-SE, bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 2450 6.0' NNE.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2449 = St VI-9 on 18 Jan 1874. His position matches UGC 4026.

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NGC 2450 = MCG +05-19-008 = CGCG 148-022 = WBL 152-004 = PGC 21807

07 47 32.3 +27 01 09

V = 14.6; Size 0.9'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 156d

24" (2/14/15): at 300x and 375x; faint to fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 0.6'x0.2'. Brighter along a thin strip of the major axis. A mag 14.6 star is close off the northwest edge. Last of a 12' quartet (WBL 152) with IC 2205, NGC 2449 and IC 476.

17.5" (2/20/88): very faint, very small, very elongated NNW-SSE. A mag 14.5 star is just off the NW edge 0.5' from center. Forms a pair with NGC 2449 6.0' SSW.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2450 = St IX-12 on 8 Feb 1878. His position matches CGCG 148-022 = PGC 21807.

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NGC 2451 = Cr 161 = ESO 311-SC008

07 45 15 -37 58 06

V = 2.8; Size 45'

13.1" (2/25/84): very bright scattered group of stars including yellow mag 3.6 c Puppis and about 10 bright stars. This naked-eye cluster appears very large but lacking in faint stars. Recent research shows this is a random grouping and not a cluster.

8" (3/28/81): very bright, very large, very scattered, includes mag 4 c Puppis. Resolved in 8x50 finder.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2451 = h3099 on 1 Feb 1835 and recorded "The chief star (4th mag) of an orange colour, of a very large and very diffused cluster of large stars, too loose to be a fit object for the ordinary magnifying power." His position matches mag 3.6 HD 63032. Giovanni Hodierna possibly made the original discovery around 1654.

A study published in May '94 Astronomy & Astrophysics concluded NGC 2451 is a chance alignment of stars that does not share a common motion. The authors, though, identified 24 stars in the vicinity of NGC 2451 which, on the basis of common or similar proper motion, appear to form a "moving group". They call it the "Puppis Moving Group", and emphasized that it is not NGC 2451 (although several stars are common to both objects).

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NGC 2452 = PK 243-1.1 = ESO 493-PN11 = PN G243.3-01.0

07 47 26.2 -27 20 08

V = 11.9; Size 31"x24"

18" (3/2/08): very interesting bipolar appearance at 450x. Appears elongated N-S, ~30"x22", with brighter lobes and rims on the north and south ends. The center appears slightly darker and pinched in. The small open cluster NGC 2453 lies 7' N. This may be a very rare planetary physically related to an open cluster.

17.5" (3/2/02): at 380x this is a moderately bright, fairly small but interesting planetary. Appears elongated N-S, ~30"x20" with an irregular surface brightness and a slightly darker center or a darker spot. The halo appears brighter at the north and south ends giving a slightly bipolar appearance with the impression of two lobes diminishing in brightness in the center. A faint mag 14.5 star is just off the north edge. Located 8' S of open cluster NGC 2453.

13" (3/24/84): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated N-S, no interior star visible. Located 6' S of open cluster NGC 2453.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2452 = h3100 on 1 Feb 1837 and described as "An object whose nature I cannot make out. It is certainly not a star, nor a close double star; but it is not round, and I should call it an oblong planetary nebula, by reason of its decidedly marked though somewhat dim outline, were there not some suspicion of its being double, as if a very close and highly condensed double nebula. It is very small and rather faint, 8" long, 5" broad, and equals a star of 10th mag. In a field with at least 60 or 80 stars [NGC 2453], all sharp and well defined but this. Four nights later he recorded "Planetary nebula. In a field with, and south of a cluster, and on a rich ground is the undefined object of Sweep 769. It is no doubt a very faint, small, round planetary nebula..."

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported "there is probably a faint central star, not brighter than mag 19. Extreme length about 22" in pa 85° the centers of the bright lateral lobes are 11" apart. In this exposure time the object has much the appearance of a reversed letter Z."

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NGC 2453 = Cr 162 = ESO 493-SC012

07 47 34 -27 11 42

V = 8.3; Size 5'

18" (3/2/08): at 220x appears as a fairly rich group of two dozen stars in a 3' clump, just SE of a mag 9.5 star (HD 63360). The densest section is a 1' knot on the SE side with a mag 11 star on its south edge. Shares the same field with planetary NGC 2452, located 7' SSW.

17.5" (3/2/02): at 220x, this is a small but dense open cluster with about two dozen stars resolved in a 3' region with a mag 9.5 star (SAO 174539) at the NW edge. A very rich 1' clump of mag 12-13 stars is on the SE side with a mag 11.5 star at the south tip of this clump. Two mag 11 stars are 2' S and 2' SE of the central group. Planetary nebula NGC 2452 is in the field 8' SSW making for an interesting pair.

13" (3/24/84): about a dozen stars resolved in a compact 2.5' cluster including three mag 9.5-10 stars. The brightest mag 9.5 star is at the NW edge. There is one dense, partially resolved clump. Planetary nebula NGC 2452 lies 6' SSW. Clouds may have interfered with the observation.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2453 = h3101 on 5 Feb 1837 and recorded "a small but condensed cluster, Class VII. Pretty rich. Dia 3'. [This is the cluster referred to, as in the field with the Planetary Nebula (NGC 2452).]"

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NGC 2454 = UGC 4053 = MCG +03-20-015 = CGCG 087-044 = PGC 21963

07 50 35.0 +16 22 07

V = 13.8; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 100d

17.5" (2/8/91): faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W, small bright core. A mag 14.5 star is 40" S.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2454 = St VI-10 on 19 Jan 1874. His position matches UGC 4053.

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NGC 2455 = Cr 163 = Mel 77

07 48 59 -21 18 00

Size 8'

18" (3/2/08): at 175x, this is a fairly rich group of ~45 stars, mostly mag 12.5-13.5, situated ~7' W of mag 8 HD 63719. Most distinctive is a 6' string of stars oriented NW-SE on the west side of the cluster. Shorter strings with a similar orientation are in the center and east side. Appears fully resolved. Further west is a larger, brighter but more scattered grouping in a triangular arrangement (no catalogue designation) and the observation from 1/19/91 appears to describe this group.

17.5" (1/19/91): about two dozen stars in a fairly large scattered group. Consists mostly of brighter mag 10-12 which are aligned in two perpendicular rows oriented E-W and N-S. Although the stars are fairly bright the cluster does not stand out as located in very rich field.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2455 = h3102 on 15 Feb 1836 and recorded "Irregular cluster, p Rich, not much compressed middle, 10', stars 12m nearly equal. General middle taken." His position corresponds with the group at my position.

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NGC 2456 = UGC 4073 = MCG +09-13-082 = CGCG 262-044 = PGC 22129

07 54 10.6 +55 29 43

V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 30d

17.5" (1/19/91): faint, small, slightly elongated, broad mild concentration. A mag 14 star is 1.2' SSE. Forms a pair with NGC 2457 5' ENE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2456 = h467 on 10 Feb 1831 and recorded "vF; R; vgbM; and losing itself imperceptibly." His position is at the south edge of UGC 4073 = PGC 22129.

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NGC 2457 = MCG +09-13-086 = CGCG 262-046 = PGC 22161

07 54 45.7 +55 32 48

V = 14.7; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 131d

17.5" (1/19/91): extremely faint, very small, round, very low surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 2456 5' WSW. Two extremely faint companions 1.2' E and 3' NNE were not seen.

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 2457 on 10 Mar 1874 with the 72" at Birr Castle during an observation of NGC 2456. He described (with respect to NGC 2456) "F, pL, R, Pos 54.8°, dist 339" [or 32.9s f, 195.4" n]. About 3' n of the nova there seemed to be another vF neb. Telescope now at the limit of its range." Copeland's micrometric offset matches CGCG 262-046 = PGC 22161 and 3' north there is a nebula -- MCG +09-13-089 = PGC 22172, which should have received an NGC designation.

MCG and PGC (as well as Megastar, etc) misidentify MCG +09-13-087 = PGC 22171 as NGC 2457. This galaxy is just 1.2' following the NGC 2457, though it was not seen by Copeland. See Corwin's identification comments.

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NGC 2458 = MCG +10-12-016 = PGC 22220

07 55 51.4 +56 42 38

V = 14.5; Size 0.15'x0.15'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 158d

24" (1/25/14): faint, very small, round, 10" diameter, quasi-stellar nucleus. A mag 13.5 star lies 35" SW. Located 4.8' ENE of a mag 10.5 star and second in a string of 6 faint galaxies (several of which have identification problems). This galaxy is identified as NGC 2461 in many sources. PGC 22191 lies 2.8' NW.

17.5" (1/19/91): not found.

Bindon Stoney discovered NGC 2458 = Big. 29 on 20 Feb 1851 and noted as one of a "Great many knots, reckoned 10 nearly in a line p f." This was the only observation made at Birr Castle and no positions were measured or even a rough sketch produced. JH added 8 additional entries in the GC, as h469 (later NGC 2463) and H III-836 = h470 (later NGC 2469) were previously discovered, but was unable to provide specific coordinates for these 8 objects. Harold Corwin notes that Stoney likely observed only the 6 brightest galaxies in this region, so 4 of his objects are probably single stars or asterisms.

Dreyer followed Bigourdan's observation on 9 Mar 1886 in assigning positions and descriptions ("vF,*12 close"). Bigourdan's position is 23 sec of RA west of MCG +10-12-016 = PGC 22220 and this galaxy has a mag 12-13 star just 35" SW, matching his description. RNGC, PGC and LEDA (as well as Megastar, etc) misidentify this galaxy as NGC 2461. NED does not assign a NGC designation to PGC 22220. As this is one of the brighter galaxies, it's reasonable to equate NGC 2458 with= PGC 22220.

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NGC 2459

07 52 02.8 +09 33 27

17.5" (2/22/03): this very small group of 5 faint mag 14-15 stars within 30" was just resolved at 220x . At low power it appeared like a nebulous spot. Although this may be a multiple star, it's likely just a compact asterism.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2459 = H III-479 = h468 on 26 Dec 1785 (sweep 494) and noted "suspected. eF, vS, lE, but may be a deception." JH called it "a large group of small stars which has a nebulous look, and perhaps there may be neb among them. No other near." On a later sweep he wrote "a small group of stars; with attention counted 5 with power 320; form a neb group 20" diameter. This asterism was observed 6 times at Birr Castle and last noted by Dreyer as a "vs Cl of 5 st, no neby seen." Karl Reinmuth described the photographic appearance in "Die Herschel-Nebel" as "a small group of 5 st 13.7...15.5" and Harold Corwin also calls this a "group of five stars."

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NGC 2460 = UGC 4097 = MCG +10-12-021 = CGCG 287-010 = PGC 22270

07 56 52.4 +60 20 58

V = 11.8; Size 2.5'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 40d

13.1" (1/11/86): moderately bright, fairly small, bright core, diffuse halo, slightly elongated SW-NE. Forms a (probably interacting) pair with IC 2209 5' SW.

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2460 = T VI-3 on 11 Aug 1882 and recorded a "small nebula II-III class, round, with star in the middle; repeatedly seen." His position is just 7 tsec E and 1.5' N of U04097 = M+10-12-021 = Z287-010.

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NGC 2461 = Holm 88a

07 56 26.4 +56 40 24

=*, Corwin.

Bindon Stoney discovered NGC 2461 = Big. 30 on 20 Feb 1851 using Lord Rosse's 72" and refers to one of a "Great many knots, reckoned 10 nearly in a line p f." This was the only observation made at Birr Castle and no positions were measured or even a rough sketch produced. NGC 2461 = GC 1582 is one of 8 entries that JH added to the GC without specific coordinates besides the two earlier discovered galaxies: h469 (later NGC 2463) and H III-836 = h470 (later NGC 2469). So, Stoney's specific object is unknown.

In the NGC, Dreyer followed Bigourdan's observation on 9 Mar 1886 in assigning a position and description ("*13 slightly nebulous"). His relative position from NGC 2462 = Big. 31 points to a single mag 15 star 1.2' southwest of NGC 2462.

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NGC 2462 = MCG +10-12-024 = CGCG 287-009 = Holm 88a = PGC 22259

07 56 32.1 +56 41 14

V = 14.5; Size 0.5'x0.3'; PA = 155d

24" (1/25/14): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 20"x15", weak concentration to the center. NGC 2463 lies 5.5' ESE. Located 11' N of mag 6.7 HD 64347. Third in a 25' E-W string of 6 galaxies (nearly equally spaced).

17.5" (1/19/91): faint, very small, round, very weak concentration. Located 10' N of mag 6.5 SAO 64347. First of four on a line with NGC 2463 5.6' E.

Bindon Stoney discovered NGC 2462 = Big. 31 on 20 Feb 1851 using Lord Rosse's 72" and probably refers to one of a "Great many knots, reckoned 10 nearly in a line p f." This was the only observation made at Birr Castle and no positions were measured or even a rough sketch produced. NGC 2462 = GC 1583 is one of 8 entries that JH added to the GC (two were previously found by the Herschels) without specific coordinates.

In the NGC, Dreyer followed Bigourdan's observation on 9 Mar 1886 in assigning a position and description ("vF, vS, vlbM"). Bigourdan's position is 21 sec of RA east and 1' S of MCG +10-12-024 = PGC 22259. His position falls closer to NGC 2463 = h469, but since that galaxy was also seen by Bigourdan, PGC 22259 is the only good candidate. CGCG (287-009) misidentifies PGC 22259 as NGC 2461. See NGC 2461.

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NGC 2463 = MCG +10-12-031 = CGCG 287-013 = PGC 22291

07 57 12.5 +56 40 36

V = 14.1; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.1

24" (1/25/14): at 375x appeared fairly faint, small, round, small bright core increases to a faint stellar nucleus. Located 7' W of NGC 2469 in a group of faint galaxies (4th of 6 in a 25' E-W string). A mag 10.3 star lies 3.2' S.

17.5" (1/19/91): faint, very small, round, broad concentration. In a group with NGC 2462 5.6' W and NGC 2469 8' E.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2463 = h469 on 10 Feb 1831 and recorded "eF; R; the preceding of two [with NGC 2469]." His position is an exact match with CGCG 287-013 = PGC 22291. Several of the galaxies in this group have uncertain identifications (see notes for NGC 2458).

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NGC 2464

07 57 32 +56 41 24

=***, Corwin. =NF, RNGC.

Bindon Stoney discovered NGC 2464 = Big. 32 on 20 Feb 1851 and refers to one of a "Great many knots, reckoned 10 nearly in a line p f." This was the only observation made at Birr Castle and no positions were measured or even a rough sketch produced. JH added 8 additional entries in the GC as h469 (later NGC 2463) and H III-836 = h470 (later NGC 2469) were previously discovered, but was unable to provide specific coordinates for these 8 objects.

In the NGC, Dreyer followed Bigourdan's observation on 9 Mar 1886 in assigning a position and description ("pS Cl, st eF, nebulous"). There is nothing at Bigourdan's published position and Harold Corwin identifies NGC 2464 with a string of three mag 15 stars (within 50" separation) about 2.5' northeast of his position. RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent.

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NGC 2465

07 57 26.1 +56 49 18

=*, Corwin =NF, RNGC.

Bindon Stoney discovered NGC 2465 = Big. 33 on 20 Feb 1851 and refers to one of a "Great many knots, reckoned 10 nearly in a line p f." This was the only observation made at Birr Castle and no positions were measured or even a rough sketch produced. JH added 8 additional entries in the GC as h469 (later NGC 2463) and H III-836 = h470 (later NGC 2469) were previously discovered, but was unable to provide specific coordinates for these 8 objects. Harold Corwin notes that Stoney likely only observed the 6 brightest galaxies in this region, so 4 of his objects are probably single stars or asterisms.

In the NGC, Dreyer followed Bigourdan's observation on 9 Mar 1886 in assigning a position and description ("*, nebulous?"). There is nothing at Bigourdan's published position and Harold Corwin identifies NGC 2464 with a mag 15 star situated ~5' NNW of the NGC position (perhaps based on a later observation). RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent.

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NGC 2466 = ESO 059-018 = PGC 21714

07 45 16.2 -71 24 38

V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.6

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x appears moderately bright, fairly small, irregularly round, 0.9'x0.8'. Broad, weak concentration to a very small, brighter core. The outer halo appears to change orientation or extent using averted vision (this is a face-on spiral). Located 1.2° NNE of mag 3.9 Zeta Volantis.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2466 = h3104 on 20 Feb 1835 and reported "vF; R; lbM; 25"." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2467 = ESO 493-SC25 = Sh 2-311 = Gum 9 = RCW 16 = Ced 103 = LBN 1065/1066/1067

07 52 29 -26 25 48

Size 8'x7'

13.1" (1/30/06 - Costa Rica): bright, large nebulosity at 75x using an OIII filter, ~4-5' diameter, surrounding a mag 7.5 star. The main section is roughly mushroom shaped, extending generally south of the bright star. The southern border is locally brighter along a strip oriented NW to SE. There is a sharp light cut-off (apparently due to dust) passing to the north of the central star and oriented E-W. Faint haze extends ~15' to the east. To the north, fainter nebulosity extends 12' E-W, and brightens towards the east end at an elongated group of brighter stars (Haffner 18), oriented NW-SE. Removing the filter this is a gorgeous low power Milky Way field with numerous faint stars peppered in the region of the nebula.

17.5" (3/2/02): Using a 31 Nagler at 64x and an OIII filter, this is a prominent 7' nebulosity surrounding a mag 8 star. A dark lane appears to cut through the nebula from west to east starting NW of the central star. Fainter nebulosity extends beyond the dark lane but then fades out to the north. The south and southeast border of the main mass has a bright, distinct edge and the southern border has a small extension on the west edge which hooks towards the NW.

A finger of nebulosity extends north from the main body and involves a scattered group of brighter stars. This strip dims but nearly merges with a much larger, elongated mass of fairly faint nebulosity extending NW to SE at a roughly right angle. This section is ~15' in size with an irregular border that is bounded on the NE side by a string of brighter stars (Haffner 18). This is a fascinating HII complex to explore in a rich star field!

17.5" (1/23/88): at 82x with OIII filter appears as a large, bright, circular nebulosity about 10' diameter. A mag 7.8 star is involved north of center and several fainter stars are involved. The nebulosity is brightest along the south side in a strip oriented NW-SE. A group of brighter stars is NE (Haffner 18). A separate larger (~15') but fainter section is 10'-15' NE and appears elongated.

8" (3/24/84): fairly bright, moderately large, roughly circular. A mag 8 star is north of center. This is a prominent nebulosity even with this aperture.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2467 = H IV-22 = h472 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 333) and recorded (two observations combined) "L, pB, almost R, easily resolvable, 6 to 10' diameter, a faint red colour visible. A star 8 mag not far from the center, but they evidently have no connection together. By second observation, 9 or 10' diameter." JH called this nebula "a *9m with a W of stars and nebulosity, or ? is not a vF neb about the stars - (no red colour seen)." See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more.

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NGC 2468 = UGC 4110 = MCG +09-13-095 = CGCG 287-016 = Holm 88b = PGC 22325

07 58 02.4 +56 21 35

V = 13.9; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 45d

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, very small, oval 2:1 SW-NE. A mag 12 star is off the NW edge 1.2' from center. Located 15' SE of mag 6.5 SAO 26579. The NGC 2461-2472 group lies 20' N.

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2468 on 1 Jan 1865 and recorded "F, R, lbM. Without doubt one of the LdR nebulae." See NGC 2458 for some background on the LdR observations on 20 Feb 1851. His single position matches UGC 4110 = PGC 22325.

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NGC 2469 = UGC 4111 = MCG +10-12-035 = CGCG 287-017 = PGC 22327

07 58 03.4 +56 40 50

V = 12.7; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 160d

24" (1/25/14): at 375x appeared moderately bright to fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, 36"x28", slightly brighter core, appears mottled. Located 2.3' SSW of a mag 9.5 star. 5th of 6 galaxies in a 25' E-W string.

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, small, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE. A mag 14.5 star is off the NW end 0.8' from center. Third of three on a line with NGC 2472 6' E.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2469 = H III-836 = h470 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 949) and recorded "vF, vS, may be a patch of stars." His position is 12 tsec west of UGC 4111 = PGC 22327. JH made two observations and his mean position matches PGC 22327, so the NGC position is accurate. His observation from 9 Feb 1831 reads "pF; R; 15"; np a *9m which is 2 diameters of neb dist from its centre." The description is good except the star is northeast. MCG does label PGC 22327 as NGC 2469. See Corwin's notes for identification problems on other members of this group.

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NGC 2470 = UGC 4091 = MCG +01-20-009 = CGCG 030-029 = PGC 22137

07 54 20.6 +04 27 34

V = 12.7; Size 1.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 128d

17.5" (12/19/87): moderately bright, fairly small, pretty edge-on NW-SE, bright core. A mag 13 star is 0.8' N of center.

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2470 = Sw V-68 on 24 Oct 1886 and recorded "eF; S; eE; betw 2 stars; 2 other stars preceding form trapezoid." His position is 6 tsec of RA west of UGC 4091 and his comment "between two stars, 2 other stars preceding form trapezoid" fits perfectly.

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NGC 2471

07 58 33.0 +56 46 34

=**, Corwin. =*, Carlson.

Bindon Stoney discovered NGC 2471 = Big. 34 on 20 Feb 1851 using Lord Rosse's 72", noting one of a "Great many knots, reckoned 10 nearly in a line p f." This was the only observation made at Birr Castle and no positions were measured or even a rough sketch produced. Harold Corwin notes that Stoney likely only observed the 6 brightest galaxies in this region, so 4 of his objects are probably single stars or asterisms.

In the NGC, Dreyer followed Bigourdan's observation on 9 Mar 1886 in assigning a position and description ("*13 slightly nebulous?"). There is nothing at Bigourdan's published position and Harold Corwin identifies NGC 2464 with a faint double star (~16" separation) about 2.5' NW of the NGC position. RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent.

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NGC 2472 = NGC 2473? = MCG +10-12-039 = CGCG 287-019 = PGC 22364

07 58 41.9 +56 42 04

V = 14.4; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1

24" (1/31/14): at 375x appeared faint, small, round, 12"-15" diameter, visible continuously but low surface brightness and no concentration. This is the last of 6 galaxies in a 25' E-W string with NGC 2469 5.5' WSW.

17.5" (1/19/91): extremely faint, very small, very low even surface brightness. Fourth of four on a line with NGC 2469 6' W.

Bindon Stoney discovered NGC 2472 on 20 Feb 1851 using Lord Rosse's 72" and refers to one of a "Great many knots, reckoned 10 nearly in a line p f." This was the only observation made at Birr Castle and no positions were measured or even a rough sketch produced but there are 6 galaxies here in shallow arc oriented east-west.

In the NGC, Dreyer followed Bigourdan's positions and descriptions for six of these 8 entries, but Bigourdan did not record an observation for NGC 2472 or 2473, so these coordinates are given approximately in the NGC. So, any assignment is somewhat arbitrary and this number could be considered lost.

The CGCG and RNGC identify CGCG 287-019 as NGC 2472 = NGC 2473. NED and LEDA identify CGCG 287-019 as NGC 2472. MCG does not label this galaxy with a NGC number. Although it is not certain this is one of Stoney's "knots", this galaxy is comparable to a couple of other very faint ones in the string. See Harold Corwin's notes for NGC 2469.

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NGC 2473 = (R)NGC 2458 = PGC 22191

07 55 34.8 +56 44 10

V = 15.1; Size 0.3'x0.2'; PA = 80d

24" (1/25/14): extremely faint to very faint, very small, slightly elongated, 15"x12", low even surface brightness. Located at the west end of a 25' string of 6 galaxies (4 found at Birr Castle), several of which have identification problems).

Bindon Stoney discovered NGC 2473 on 20 Feb 1851 using Lord Rosse's 72" and refers to one of a "Great many knots, reckoned 10 nearly in a line p f." This was the only observation made at Birr Castle and no positions were measured or even a rough sketch produced, but there are 6 galaxies here in shallow arc oriented east-west.

In the NGC, Dreyer followed Bigourdan's positions and descriptions for six of these 8 entries, but he did not record an observation for NGC 2472 or 2473 and the coordinates are approximate in the NGC. So, any assignment is somewhat arbitrary and this number could be considered lost.

The RNGC, CGCG, PGC (and software such as Megastar) identify CGCG 287-019 as NGC 2472 = NGC 2473. Assuming Stoney saw all 6 of the brightest galaxies in this string, Harold Corwin suggests assigning PGC 22191 (which does not have a NGC number) to NGC 2473. This seems reasonable although the westernmost galaxy in the string receives the highest NGC number. PGC 22191 is identified as NGC 2458 in RNGC, PGC and NED and as NGC 2458: = NGC 2473 in LEDA. See Harold Corwin's identification notes for NGC 2469.

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NGC 2474 = UGC 4114 = MCG +09-13-096 = CGCG 262-052 = PGC 22321

07 57 58.9 +52 51 26

V = 13.3; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.0

17.5" (1/19/91): faint, very small, round, very small bright core. Forms a double galaxy with NGC 2475 just 21" NE of center. Located 2.6' SW of a mag 8.8 SAO 26594.

13.1" (12/7/85): this is the SW member of a double galaxy with NGC 2475. Almost stellar, round, faint, NGC 2475 very close NE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2474 = H III-830 = h471 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 945) and called it "cF, pS, bM." His observation probably refers to the brighter northeast component or both were seen but unresolved. JH recorded "pF; E; or has a vS star sp and a large [bright] star nf. Also query if not vS star in centre." The comment "vS star sp" refers to the fainter southwest component."

JH's position (used in the NGC) matches the double system UGC 4114. But the number has been confused with the nearby planetary JE 1 (Jones-Emberson 1). This mix-up was resolved in Sky & Telescope, April 1981.

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NGC 2475 = UGC 4114ne = MCG +09-13-097 = CGCG 262-052ne = PGC 22322

07 58 00.4 +52 51 42

V = 13.1; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.5

17.5" (1/19/91): brighter of a double system with NGC 2474 just 21" SW between centers. Moderately bright, small, round, very small bright core. Forms a striking pair with NGC 2474. Located 2.3' SW of mag 8.8 SAO 26594.

13.1" (12/7/85): brightest of double galaxy, moderately bright, small, round. A mag 9 star is 3' NE.

R.J. Mitchell resolved the double system NGC 2474/2475 on 9 Jan 1856 using Lord Rosse's 72". He recorded "may be a double neb. I see no star between (as suspected by [JH], but the two almost touch." JH appears to have resolved the fainter southwest component, but thought it was a star: "vS star sp." Dreyer assigned the discovery of NGC 2475 to LdR, but NGC 2474 is clearly the fainter component seen by Mitchell.

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NGC 2476 = UGC 4106 = MCG +07-17-003 = CGCG 207-008 = PGC 22260

07 56 45.2 +39 55 40

V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 135d

17.5" (2/24/90): fairly faint, fairly small, sharp concentration, stellar nucleus, slightly elongated halo. The NGC 2493/NGC 2495 pair lies 40' ESE.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2476 = St IX-13 on 23 Feb 1878. His position matches UGC 4106.

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NGC 2477 = Cr 165 = Mel 78

07 52 10 -38 32 00

V = 5.8; Size 27'

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): remarkably rich carpet of mag 11-13 stars at 105x with perhaps 250-300 stars resolved in a 25' field. The appearance is very similar to a highly resolved globular without a sharply concentrated core. There are no distinct boundaries as stars loop outside the main group and many stars are arranged in long streamers. Located roughly 20' N of a mag 4.5 star (HD 64503 = b Puppis).

13.1" (12/22/84): superb cluster, over 200 stars resolved in a 25' diameter, very rich in mag 11-14 stars. Appears similar to NGC 7789 or a rich resolved globular cluster. Located just north of b Puppis (V = 4.5). This is one of the top open clusters in the sky despite the very low elevation!

8" (3/28/81): beautiful, large cluster, very rich in faint stars mag 11-13 over unresolved haze. A mag 4 star is at the south edge.

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 2477 = Lac I-3 = D 535 = h3103 in 1751-1752 using a 1/2-inch telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope. He recorded a "large nebula 15' to 20' diameter." James Dunlop described this cluster as "a pretty large faint nebula, easily resolvable into small stars, or rather a cluster of very small stars, with a small faint nebula near the north preceding side, which is rather difficult to resolve into exceedingly small stars. This is probably two clusters or nebula in the same line; the small nebula is probably three times the distance of the large nebula." Dunlop's position for D 535 is ~12' NW of center of the cluster.

JH lists 3 observations in his Cape catalogue: on 1 Feb 1835 he recorded "Cluster 6th class, bright, large, rich, not very highly condensed in the middle. Stars very remarkably equal. All 12 or 13th mag. Very few 14th mag; none 11th mag. A fine object." On a second sweep he described it as "a very beautiful large cluster, very rich; stars nearly equal, and 12th mag, gbm, not much compressed in the middle; more than fills the field. (N.B. It is visible in the finder of the equatorial, and in the telescope of that instrument appears as a fine cluster." Finally on his last sweep he described it as a "Superb cluster, gbM, 20' diameter, much more than fills the whole field. Stars 10 and 11th mag all nearly equal."

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NGC 2478 = M47 = NGC 2422

07 36 35 -14 29 00

See observing notes for M47 = NGC 2422.

Charles Messier discovered M47 = NGC 2478 on 19 Feb 1771 and recorded a "Cluster of stars a short distance from the preceding [M46]; the stars are brighter; the middle of the cluster was compared with the same star, 2 Navis. The cluster contains no nebulosity." There is nothing at his position, but it was assigned GC 1594 and NGC 2478 as placeholders for the missing cluster. Giovanni Hodierna probably made the first observation of M47 before 1654 and simply recorded "a Nebulosa between the two dogs".

In the October 1960 issue of Sky & Tel, Owen Gingrich claims in "The Missing Messier Objects" that Messier apparently switched the signs of his offsets from his comparison star, 2 Navis (now 2 Puppis), and cites articles or notes by Oswald Thomas in 1934 and T. F. Morris in 1959. Harold Corwin doesn't fully buy this explanation (see his identification notes) as reversing the offset sign doesn't yield a very good match positional match. In any case, the cluster now taken as M47 was independently discovered by Caroline Herschel on 26 Feb 1783 and observed by WH on 4 Feb 1785. WH catalogued it as H VIII-38 (later NGC 2422), so it is assumed M47 = NGC 2478 = NGC 2422. See Corwin's notes for the full story.

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NGC 2479 = Cr 167 = Tr 8 = ESO 561-SC001

07 55 07 -17 42 48

Size 7'

18" (3/2/08): at 175x, over 80 stars mag 12-14 are resolved in a 9' region with the cluster extended WSW-ENE. A semi-circular loop of stars is near the center and is open on the east side. The cluster is ~10' NE of a fairly well matched, bright wide pair (h4015 = 9.1/9.5 at 20").

25x80mm (3/2/08): in the finder this cluster appears as a hazy 8' cloud with no resolution

13.1" (12/7/85): about 50 faint stars spread out in a 10' diameter over some haze. Several stars near the center are arranged in a semi-circle open on the east side. A string of stars trail off to the SE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2479 = H VII-58 on 4 Mar 1790 (sweep 934) and reported "a pretty compressed and rich cluster of small stars, iR, about 7 or 8' diameter." His position is on the southwest side oft his cluster.

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NGC 2480 = UGC 4116 = MCG +04-19-009 = CGCG 118-026 = Holm 89b = PGC 22289

07 57 10.5 +23 46 46

V = 13.7; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 160d

17.5" (2/20/88): very faint, very small, very elongated ~N-S, even surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 2481 1' SE.

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2480 on 1 Feb 1856 using Lord Rosse's 72". He described NGC 2481 as a "F ray with pB nucleus. There is np this a companion neb vvF, elongated as in diagram. star at Alpha, suspected another at Beta." The sketch clearly identifies NGC 2480 = UGC 4116, although no coordinates or offsets were given by Mitchell. UGC misidentifies this galaxy as NGC 2481.

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NGC 2481 = UGC 4118 = MCG +04-19-010 = CGCG 118-027 = Holm 89a = PGC 22292

07 57 13.7 +23 46 04

V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 18d

17.5" (2/20/88): moderately bright, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, bright core, stellar nucleus. Forms a close pair with NGC 2480 1' NW.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2481 = H II-302 = h473 on 28 Feb 1785 (sweep 374) and called it "pF, vS, bM, easily resolvable." On 20 Feb 1787 (sweep 697) he noted "F, pL, irr elongated." UGC has a typo and calls this galaxy NGC 2482.

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NGC 2482 = Cr 166 = ESO 494-SC003

07 55 09 -24 15 00

V = 7.3; Size 12'

18" (3/2/08): distinctive group of 80-100 stars at 175x in a 10'-12' field. A long, rich string of stars oriented NW-SE passes through the middle of the cluster with arms or sprays of stars extending outwards from this string. The stars are fairly evenly distributed and similar in magnitude with several close doubles. A mag 8 star (HD 64820) is off the west side of the cluster.

13.1" (12/7/85): about 50 stars mag 10-14 in cluster. The bright stars from a "Y" asterism. Located 1.5° ENE of Xi Puppis.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2482 = H VII-10 = h474 = h3106 on 20 Nov 1784 (sweep 326) and recorded "a cluster of scattered stars, the stars nearly of a size, more than 15' diam, but not compressed." On 6 Mar 1785 (sweep 381) he noted "a L cluster of scattered stars, considerably rich and compressed; my field is too small to determine the extent of it." JH, observing from the Cape of Good Hope, called it "a very rich milky way cluster, or mass of stars, 10, 11 and 12th mag, diameter 20'. The neighbourhood is rich, but much less so than this cluster." His position is a couple of arcmin south of center.

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NGC 2483 = ESO 430-SC002 = OCL-677

07 55 39 -27 53 12

V = 7.6; Size 10'

18" (3/2/08): at 175x, ~60 stars are resolved, many in a long WNW to ESE chain extending to the NW of the central core of the cluster. Near the SE end of the string is a trio of stars and a wide, equal mag pair. Extending from this pair are two additional strings to the SW and towards the east.

17.5" (3/7/92): scattered group of 30 stars mag 9-14 in 10' diameter. Contains mag 8.9 SAO 174829 and a mag 10 star at the east end with 2.5' separation NW-SE. Most of the member stars are arranged in two well-defined intersecting lanes oriented SW-NE and NW-SE. There are no dense areas or prominent double stars.

25x80mm (3/2/08): easily visible as a hazy cloud with several faint stars superimposed.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2483 = h3105 on 22 Jan 1835 and recorded "Cluster 8th class. Large; loose and straggling. A milky way cluster." His position is about 1 min of RA west of this cluster.

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NGC 2484 = UGC 4125 = MCG +06-18-004 = CGCG 178-011 = PGC 22350

07 58 28.1 +37 47 11

V = 13.1; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 145d

17.5" (3/20/93): faint, small, round, broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star is just 40" off the SW edge and 0.8' from the center.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2484 = St XIII-34 on 21 Jan 1885. His position matches UGC 4125.

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NGC 2485 = UGC 4112 = MCG +01-21-001 = CGCG 031-003 = PGC 22266

07 56 48.7 +07 28 40

V = 12.2; Size 1.6'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.0

17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus, diffuse halo. A mag 13 star is 0.6' S of center.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2485 = m 107 on 25 Mar 1864 with Lassell's 48" and recorded "neb *12." His position matches UGC 4112 = PGC 22266.

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NGC 2486 = UGC 4123 = MCG +04-19-011 = CGCG 118-029 = Holm 90b = PGC 22317

07 57 56.5 +25 09 39

V = 13.3; Size 1.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 100d

17.5" (2/20/88): faint, fairly small, oval E-W, broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 2487 5' ESE.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2486 = m 108 on 25 Mar 1864 (along with NGC 2487) with Lassell's 48" and recorded "vF, S, psbM." His position is 2' north of UGC 4123 = PGC 22317 (same offset as NGC 2487).

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NGC 2487 = UGC 4126 = MCG +04-19-012 = CGCG 118-030 = Holm 90a = PGC 22343

07 58 20.4 +25 08 57

V = 12.5; Size 2.6'x2.1'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 115d

17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, moderately large, 2' diameter oval, broad concentration. A mag 10.5 is 20" off the south edge and 1.3' from center. Forms a pair with NGC 2486 5' WNW.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2487 = m 109 on 25 Mar 1864 (along with NGC 2486) with Lassell's 48" and recorded "vF, S, gbM." His position is 2' north of UGC 4126 = PGC 22343 (same offset as NGC 2487).

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NGC 2488 = UGC 4161 = MCG +09-13-109 = CGCG 287-029 = PGC 22520

08 01 45.8 +56 33 13

V = 12.4; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 100d

17.5" (1/19/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, bright core. UGC 4164, situated 6' NNE, appeared faint, small, slightly elongated, gradually increases to a bright core.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2488 = H III-837 = h475 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 949) and called "eF, vS." His position (CH's reduction) is 1' SSW of UGC 4161 = PGC 22520. Auwers' reduction, though, shows a difference of 10' in dec; the same as NGC 2469 = H III-836, NGC 2497 = III-838, NGC 2505 = III-839 and NGC 2534 = III-840 on this sweep. JH measured an accurate position and noted this galaxy as "vF; R; glbM; 15"."

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NGC 2489 = Cr 169 = Mel 79 = Lund 408

07 56 16 -30 03 54

V = 7.9; Size 8'

13.1" (1/18/85): about 50 stars in a 8' diameter. Rich in mag 11-14 stars. A richer group of stars is at the center surrounded by a larger incomplete ring of stars. Located 13' N of mag 6.3 PX Puppis (6.3-6.7).

William Herschel discovered NGC 2489 = H VII-23 = h479 = h3107 on 30 Dec 1785 (sweep 501) and reported "a compressed cluster of pretty large stars, considerably rich." This cluster was probably first discovered by James Dunlop on 28 May 1826 and logged as "a cluster of small stars, of an irregular round figure, with faint nebula, easily resolvable. The 257 Argus is south following." His position for D 626 is 30' WNW of center, but despite the poor position the description is reasonable.

JH observed the cluster from the Cape of Good Hope on 22 Jan 1835 and recorded "A round, pretty compressed cluster of stars 11..13th mag; 6th or 7th class; gradually brighter in the middle, pretty rich, 7' diameter." On a second sweep he wrote "Cluster 7th class. Round, 5' diameter, stars 12th mag."

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NGC 2490 = MCG +05-19-027 = CGCG 148-080 = PGC 22382

07 59 17.9 +27 04 40

V = 14.3; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.4

17.5" (2/20/88): very faint, very small, round, even surface brightness. A mag 13.5 star is just 0.7' E. Located 4.0' NW of brighter NGC 2492.

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2490 on 14 Feb 1857 with Lord Rosse's 72" and recorded "I suspect Alpha to be h477 [NGC 2492], F, S, R, lbM. Beta is a vS, F patch, a star following closely." The sketch and description clearly established Beta as NGC 2490 = CGCG 148-080 = PGC 22382. On 14 Feb 1877, Dreyer recorded "vF, vS, R, *13m 1' foll. Pos 320.6°, Dist 243.7" [from NGC 2492].

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NGC 2491 = CGCG 031-007 = PGC 22353

07 58 27.4 +07 59 02

V = 15.1; Size 0.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.7; PA = 78d

24" (1/31/14): at 375x appeared faint, very small, round, 12" diameter, low even surface brightness. Located 3.7' SW NGC 2496. A mag 11 star is 2.8' NW and a similar star is 2.4' NE.

24" (1/25/14): at 375x appeared very faint to faint, small, elongated 4:3, 20"x15", low even surface brightness. Located 3.7' SW of much brighter NGC 2491. PGC 1335584, an extremely faint galaxy (V = 16.5), was just glimpsed 1.4' SW.

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2491 = Sw III-37 on 15 Nov 1885 (along with NGC 2496) with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and recorded "eeeF; pS; iR; B* nr W; sp of 2 [with NGC 2496]; e diff.". His position is ~1.5' NW of CGCG 031-007, which the CGCG, RNGC and PGC have adopted as NGC 2491. There is a mag 11 star 2.8' NW, which could be the "B* nr W", though a similar star is also 2.4' NE.

Harold Corwin notes there are two brighter galaxies 10' N (CGCG 031-005 and CGCG 031-008) which would have been in Swift's field though neither of these have bright stars preceding (nor are they south-preceding NGC 2496). But CGCG 031-007 is quite faint to have been noticed by Swift, so this identification is uncertain.

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NGC 2492 = UGC 4138 = MCG +05-19-028 = CGCG 148-080 = PGC 22397

07 59 29.7 +27 01 35

V = 12.7; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 95d

17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 2490 4.0' NW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2492 = h477 on 24 Dec 1827 and logged "vF; S; R; bM." His position matches UGC 4138. Dorothy Carlson, in her 1949 list of NGC Corrections, misidentifies NGC 2492 as a star.

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NGC 2493 = UGC 4150 = MCG +07-17-007 = CGCG 207-014 = Holm 91a = PGC 22447

08 00 23.7 +39 49 49

V = 12.0; Size 1.9'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.3

17.5" (2/24/90): moderately bright, fairly small, round, halo gradually increases to a small bright core. Located 9' SW of mag 7.6 SAO 42123. Forms a close pair with a dim galaxy NGC 2495 1.8' ENE. This galaxy forms the southern vertex of an isosceles triangle with a mag 9.5 star 5' WNW and a mag 10 star 4.5' NNW.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2493 = H III-750 = h476 on 31 Dec 1788 (sweep 901) and noted "vF, S, R, lbM." His position matches UGC 4150 = PGC 22447. JH recorded "pB even though there is moon enough to see the wires well. R; gb and then sbM; 20"."

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NGC 2494 = IC 487 = UGC 4141 = MCG +00-21-001 = CGCG 003-002 = PGC 22377

07 59 07.0 -00 38 17

V = 13.1; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 95d

17.5" (1/23/88): moderately bright, oval ~E-W, fairly small, bright core. A nice triple star lies 4' ESE; the closer components are mag 11/12 with separation 19".

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2494 = m 110 on 6 Feb 1864 and noted "F, S, lE." There is nothing at his position, but exactly 1.0 min of RA east is UGC 4141. Lewis Swift independently discovered this galaxy on 3 Feb 1888, assumed it was new and reported it in his 7th discovery list as VII-10 (later IC 487). So, NGC 2494 = IC 487 with priority to Marth. UGC, MCG and CGCG label this galaxy IC 487 because of the positional match. See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 2495 = MCG +07-17-008 = CGCG 207-016 = Holm 91b = Mrk 383 = PGC 22457

08 00 33.2 +39 50 23

V = 15.2; Size 0.4'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.4

17.5" (2/24/90): extremely faint and small, round. A mag 14.5 is off the east edge 24" from center. Forms a pair with much brighter NGC 2493 1.8' WSW.

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2495 on 14 Feb 1855, as the assistant on Lord Rosse's 72". While observing NGC 2493, he noted "a faint star precedes, a nebulous knot follows 2' or 3' dist." At 2.0' ENE of the center of NGC 2493 is CGCG 207-016 = PGC 22457, the galaxy assumed to be NGC 2495. On 5 Mar 1867, though, the description reads "eF, R, bM [referring to NGC 2493, presumably], neb north-following is eF, difficult, Pos 54°, Dist 12". Either this observation refers to a different object, or there was an error in recording the distance (likely). The sketch is a good match with the pair of galaxies except there is no star to the west and Harold Corwin mentions problems with the descriptions (including the position angle). He questions if the Lord Rosse assistants were observing a different field (on at least 1 or 2 of the 4 observations).

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NGC 2496 = UGC 4127 = MCG +01-21-002 = CGCG 031-009 = PGC 22359

07 58 37.4 +08 01 45

V = 13.0; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 2d

24" (1/31/14): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, fairly high surface brightness, gradually increases to the center but no distinct nucleus or zones. A mag 14 star is 35" W of center. NGC 2491 lies 3.7' SW.

24" (1/25/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, ~25"x18", weak concentration. A mag 13.5 star is 33" W of center and a mag 11 star is 2' S.

17.5" (2/8/91): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, weak concentration. A mag 14 star is 30" W. Forms a pair with NGC 2491 4' SW (not seen).

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2496 = Sw III-38 on 15 Nov 1885 (along NGC 2491) using the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and recorded "vF, pS, R, lbM, * close foll, nf of 2". His position matches UGC 4127 = PGC 22359, although the "* close foll" probably refers is a mag 14 star 35" preceding the center.

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NGC 2497 = UGC 4168 = MCG +10-12-061 = CGCG 287-032 = PGC 22547

08 02 11.0 +56 56 32

V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.6

17.5" (1/19/91): faint, extremely small, round, stellar nucleus stands out with direct vision. Located 6' E of mag 8.6 SAO 26621.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2497 = H III-838 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 949) and called "eF, vS." According to CH's offset, his position is just 12 sec of RA too small. MCG does not label this galaxy (MCG +10-12-061) as NGC 2497 and MCG +10-12-064 is misidentified as possibly NGC 2497.

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NGC 2498 = UGC 4142 = MCG +04-19-015 = CGCG 118-034 = PGC 22403

07 59 38.8 +24 58 56

V = 13.4; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 113d

17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, small bright core, elongated NW-SE, faint stellar nucleus. NGC 2486 lies 20' NW.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2498 = St XIII-35 on 19 Jan 1885. His position matches UGC 4142 = PGC 22403.

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NGC 2499 = MCG +01-21-003 = CGCG 031-011 = PGC 22366

07 58 51.7 +07 29 36

V = 14.3; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 175d

17.5" (3/7/92): very faint, very small, round. Located 2' N of mag 8.9 SAO 26621. Two mag 10/11 stars are 1.8' S and 2.8' SW.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2499 = m 111 on 25 Mar 1864 with Lassell's 48" and recorded "eF, pS, iR." His position matches CGCG 031-011 = PGC 22366.

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NGC 2500 = UGC 4165 = MCG +09-13-110 = CGCG 262-062 = PGC 22525

08 01 53.1 +50 44 15

V = 11.6; Size 2.9'x2.6'; Surf Br = 13.7

13.1" (2/23/85): moderately bright, fairly large, almost round, mottled, weak concentration. Situated midway between a mag 12 star 1.9' NE and a mag 10.5 star 1.7' SW of center.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2500 = H III-709 = h478 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815) and recorded "vF, R, vgbM; about 2 1/2 minutes in diameter." A later observation says "I can perceive some of the stars." This is a mottled face-on spiral, so this created the impression of resolving some stars. JH observed this galaxy on a single sweep and his position is 1' too far north.

On 1 Feb 1851, Lord Rosse "saw stars in it and suspected at one time a curvilinear arrangement. On later observations spiral structure was suspected and sketches (by R.J. Mitchell and Samuel Hunter) reasonably capture the spiral structure, although they were not certain. In addition a couple of HII knots on the preceding side were apparently noticed.

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NGC 2501 = MCG -02-21-002 = PGC 22354

07 58 30.0 -14 21 16

V = 13.7; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 120d

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, bright core, stands out well in rich Milky Way field. Situated only 8° from the galactic equator.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2501 = h3108 on 14 Feb 1836 and recorded "F,R, gbM, 30", in a field full of stars." On a later sweep he logged "pF, lE, in parallel; glbM, 25"." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2502 = ESO 209-008 = PGC 22210

07 55 51.5 -52 18 25

V = 12.0; Size 2.0'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 126d

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE. Well concentrated with a very bright 30" core that dominates the galaxy. The outer halo or arms are much fainter and could be easily missed but extend to 1.2'x0.8'. Forms the NW vertex of a triangle with two mag 11 star 4.3' E and a mag 11.5 star 3' SSE. Located 41' NNW mag 3.5 Chi Carinae.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2502 = h3109 on 5 Jan 1837 and reported "pF; R; vgpmbM; 25"." His single position matches ESO 209-008.

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NGC 2503 = UGC 4158 = MCG +04-19-019 = CGCG 118-041 = PGC 22453

08 00 36.7 +22 24 00

V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6

17.5" (3/12/94): very faint, small, round, 0.8' diameter, low surface brightness, very weak concentration. A mag 14.5 star is at the NW edge and a mag 11 star lies 2.0' SE of center. Located on the Cancer/Gemini border.

17.5" (2/20/88): very faint, very small, round, diffuse, weak concentration. A mag 15 star is just off the NW edge and a mag 11 star is 2.0' SE.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2503 = m 112 on 17 Feb 1865 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "eF, S, glbM." His position is 8 sec of RA east of UGC 4158.

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NGC 2504 = UGC 4152 = MCG +01-21-004 = CGCG 031-015 = PGC 22414

07 59 52.3 +05 36 30

V = 13.9; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 11.9

17.5" (11/25/87): faint, very small, slightly elongated ~E-W, fairly low even surface brightness.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2504 = m 113 on 25 Mar 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "vF, S, R." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2505 = UGC 4193 = MCG +09-13-115 = CGCG 262-066 = PGC 22644

08 04 06.8 +53 32 57

V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 0d

17.5" (1/19/91): faint, fairly small, oval 2:1 N-S, very small brighter nucleus. Located 10' SW of mag 7.1 SAO 26650 at the edge of the 220x field.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2505 = H III-839 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 949) and called it "eF, vS." His position (CH's reduction) is just 1.8' south-southwest of UGC 4193 (typical error). Auwers' reduction, though, shows a difference of 10' in dec for several objects in the sweep.

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NGC 2506 = Cr 170 = Mel 80 = OCL-593

08 00 02 -10 46 12

V = 7.6; Size 7'

18" (3/15/10): at 175x, this is a beautifully rich 8' group of stars, roughly circular, with 80-100 stars mag 11-14 over unresolved background haze. The brightest two stars are at the west side and form a wide, 27" double. The richest portion roughly forms a "U" outline, open to the south, as if a chunk of the cluster was missing. The north side of the "U" consists of a string of stars oriented WNW-ESE (north of the two brightest stars) with a pair at the WNW end. At the ESE end of this string a few brighter stars form a right angle heading SSW and forming another side of the "U". A faint string of stars extends out of the cluster to the SE and another string extends out the WNW.

17.5" (3/12/94): 75 stars in 10' diameter at 220x. The brightest members are a wide pair of mag 11/12 stars at the west end with a separation of 27" oriented SW-NE and a mag 11.5 star at the east end. Rich in mag 13-14 stars with a roughly circular outline except for a "bite" on the south side. The richest subgroup is following the two brighter stars at the west end and is 3' diameter forming a "C" shaped asterism opening to the south over haze and is quite striking.

13" (2/23/85): at 220x, ~35 stars visible, many in a winding row. A number of brighter mag 11 stars surround the group.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2506 = H VI-37 = h480 on 23 Feb 1791 (sweep 995) and recorded "a very compressed and very rich cluster of stars. The stars are of 2 sizes, some considerably large and the rest next to invisible. The compressed part 5' or 6' in diameter." His position (Auwers' reduction) is 7' NNE of center of this cluster. It was independently found by Karl Ludwig Harding around 1823 and reported it as a new discovery. JH's description reads "the first *11m in the p part of a rich resolved p comp cl irreg fig; *s 11...20m, so as to be nebulous. The most comp part = 4' or 5' diam. His Slough Catalogue position is accurate, but he subtracted 10' in NPD in the GC, assuming he made an error, as his position did not match WH or Harding. See GC and NGC notes.

Lord Rosse, or his observing assistant George Stoney, commented on 27 Jan 1849 "More approach towards spiral appearance than I have seen in any other cluster. Very curious black spaces with power 700x."

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NGC 2507 = UGC 4172 = MCG +03-21-010 = CGCG 088-020 = Holm 92a = LGG 153-003 = PGC 22510

08 01 37.2 +15 42 35

V = 12.2; Size 2.5'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.7

24" (2/14/15): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated 0.6'x0.5'. Moderately concentrated to a small brighter nucleus. A very low surface brightness halo increases the size to 0.8'x0.7'. A mag 12 star is off the southwest side [1.3' from center]. A mag 15.5 star is at the southwest edge at 300-375x and a slightly fainter star is embedded on the north edge [just 18" from center!]. An HII region (or galaxy?) at the NE edge was not resolved.

NGC 2514 lies 18' NE (see notes) and CGCG 088-016 lies 15' W. At 322x, the CGCG appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 27"x18", weak even concentration to a faint stellar nucleus, no distinct zones. A mag 10 star lies 1.8' NW.

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, gradually brighter halo, stellar nucleus within slightly brighter core. A mag 11.5 star is 1.3' SW. NGC 2514 lies 18' NE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2507 = H II-554 = h481 on 18 Mar 1786 (sweep 538) and logged "pB, pL, easily resolvable, gbM." JH reported "F; R; 15". Pos of a *12m = 225.5°, dist = 60"."

A couple of faint stars as well as a faint galaxy are superimposed on NGC 2507. On 22 Feb 1867, Robert Ball reported three "knots" were "well seen" at Birr Castle , though one of these "knots" is apparently the nucleus. "The middle knot [nucleus], alpha, is much the largest. Alpha to knot sp, Pos = 223.0° [this is a star], alpha to knot np 338.0° [this is also a star]."

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NGC 2508 = UGC 4174 = MCG +02-21-004 = CGCG 059-018 = PGC 22528

08 01 57.2 +08 33 07

V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 130d

17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval slightly elongated NW-SE, small bright core. Collinear with two mag 13.5 stars 0.8' WSW and 1.3' WSW of center.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2508 = H III-7 = h484 on 23 Jan 1784 (sweep 100) and recorded "a nebulous star, but doubtful of the nebulosity. Yet with 240 the same doubtful appearance continues." There is nothing near his position, but 1 min 42 sec of RA west and 3' south is UGC 4174. This was still an early sweep in which his positions were unreliable. On 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 496) he mentions "I looked for the supposed nebulous star of the 100th sweep, but the evening being remarkably clear and my telescope in fine order I only saw near the place several very close double stars, one of which probably has been the suspected one. Otherwise a small telescopic comet may have been thereabout." JH observed this galaxy on two sweeps although on sweep 120 no position was measured and on sweep 123 the position was marked very uncertain. The accurate NGC position is from Heinrich d'Arrest.

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NGC 2509 = ESO 561-SC7 = Cr 171 = Mel 81 = Lund 417

08 00 48 -19 03 00

Size 8'

18" (3/2/08): beautiful cluster of 80-100 stars at 175x, highlighted by a dense 2-2.5' clump of fainter stars resolved over some remaining haze. Double or multiple stars are at the NE and NW corners of this central knot. At 220x the SE corner of the clump is very rich in faint stars with averted! The brightest star is at the SW side with a string of mag 10-11 stars extending outside of the cluster to the SE from of this star. The cluster is situated ~6' NW of mag 8.8 HD 66034.

17.5" (3/12/94): 50 stars resolved in a 6'x5' region outlined by a perfect parallelogram. The majority of the stars, though, lie in a prominent dense clump along the NW side of the parallelogram and includes a nice double star. The NE vertex of the parallelogram is a double star with components mag 13/13.5 at 12". The parallelogram has no concentration and the interior southern portion has only a couple of faint stars. Mag 8.6 SAO 153720 lies roughly 6' SE and a bright wide double star consisting of a mag 10.5/12 pair at 26" is 4' NNE of the parallelogram.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2509 = H VIII-1 on 3 Dec 1783 (very early sweep, internal discovery #7) and recorded "a cl of coarsely scattered stars. The place is that of the most comp part, which is not M[iddle]" On 4 Mar 1790 (sweep 934) and logged "a considerably compressed and very rich cl of small star, irr F." and on 15 Mar 1801 (sweep 1095) he noted "a beautiful cl of stars, arranced in a circular order."

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NGC 2510 = UGC 4178 = MCG +02-21-007 = CGCG 059-023 = WBL-169-005 = PGC 22541

08 02 10.6 +09 29 09

V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 115d

24" (3/22/14): faint to fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, ~40"x25", fairly low even surface brightness. First of 5 with NGC 2511 5.6' SSE, NGC 2513 5.6' SE, CGCG 59-27 6.7' ENE and PGC 1364011 7.5' S.

17.5" (2/13/88): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, even surface brightness. Similar size to NGC 2513 5.6' SE but lower surface brightness. In a group of five with NGC 2511 5.6' SSE.

Bindon Stoney discovered NGC 2510 (along with NGC 2511) on 31 Jan 1851 with Lord Rosse's 72" in the NGC 2513 group. The group was sketched on 26 Feb 1851 with NGC 2510 is labeled as Gamma and precise offsets were measured from NGC 2513.

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NGC 2511 = MCG +02-21-008 = CGCG 059-024 = Mrk 1207 = WBL 169-006 = PGC 22549

08 02 15.0 +09 23 40

V = 14.1; Size 0.9'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 125d

24" (3/22/14): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 40"x20", weak concentation. Located 2.7' SW of NGC 2513.

17.5" (2/13/88): faint, small, slightly elongated, almost even surface brightness. In a group with NGC 2513 3' NE and NGC 2510 5.6' SSW. Located on the Canis Minor-Cancer border.

Bindon Stoney discovered NGC 2511 (along with NGC 2510) on 31 Jan 1851 with Lord Rosse's 72" in the NGC 2513 group. The group was sketched on 26 Feb 1851 with NGC 2511 labelled Beta and precise offsets were measured from NGC 2513. Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered the galaxy in 1862 (#77 in AN 1500) and John Herschel mistakenly credited d'Arrest with the discovery in the GC. Dreyer included both observers in the NGC.

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NGC 2512 = UGC 4191 = MCG +04-19-021 = CGCG 118-052 = Mrk 384 = PGC 22596

08 03 07.8 +23 23 30

V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 113d

17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus. Not identified as NGC 2512 in the UGC or CGCG.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2512 = H III-605 = h482 on 10 Feb 1787 (sweep 697) and noted "F, S, iF." His position (Auwers' reduction) is 1.4' too far north. JH measured an accurate position. CGCG and UGC fail to label their catalogue entries as NGC 2512.

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NGC 2513 = UGC 4184 = MCG +02-21-009 = CGCG 059-025 = WBL-169-007 = PGC 22555

08 02 24.7 +09 24 49

V = 11.6; Size 2.5'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 170d

24" (3/22/14): bright, fairly large, sharply concentrated with a very bright 20" core. The halo extends ~1.25'x0.9' N-S and has a fairly low surface brightness. Brightest in a group with NGC 2511 2.7' SW, NGC 2510 5.6' NW, PGC 1364011 4.7' SW, CGCG 59-27 6' NE.

17.5" (2/13/88): moderately bright, fairly small, irregularly round, well concentrated to a very bright core, small faint halo. Brightest in a group including NGC 2510 5.6' NW, NGC 2511 3' SW, CGCG 59-19 and CGCG 59-26.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2513 = H III-512 = h483 on 3 Mar 1786 (sweep 534) and recorded "vF, S, R, mbM, 240 showed it very well." His position is accurate. JH called the nebula "pB; R; psbM." The two fainter companions (NGC 2510 and 2511) were discovered at Birr Castle.

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NGC 2514 = UGC 4189 = MCG +03-21-011 = CGCG 088-022 = PGC 22581

08 02 49.7 +15 48 30

V = 13.4; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.8

24" (2/16/15): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 0.9' diameter, no core but irregular surface brightness (strong impression of a face-on spiral).

17.5" (2/8/91): faint, fairly small, round, low almost even surface brightness. NGC 2507 lies 18' WSW.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2514 = St XIII-36 on 19 Jan 1885 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory. His position matches UGC 4189 = PGC 22581.

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NGC 2515

08 03 21.3 +20 11 17

Size 9"

=**, Reinmuth.

George Bond discovered NGC 2515 = HN 5 on 11 Sep 1852 with the 15-inch Merz refractor at the Harvard College Observatory. At his position is a 9" pair of mag 13 stars oreinted ~E-W. Most of Bond's discoveries in the early 1850's at HCO turned out to be close pairs or even single stars. NGC 2515 is correctly classified as a double star in the RNGC (from Carlson's list), but the position is wildly off at 09 47.3 +13 02 (2000).

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NGC 2516 = "Southern Beehive" Cluster = ESO 124-SC6 = Cr 172 = Mel 82 = Lund 411

07 58 00 -60 45

V = 3.8; Size 30'

13.1" (1/30/06 - Costa Rica): very bright naked-eye cluster located 3° SW of Epsilon Car (southern star in the False Cross). Appears partially resolved in the 9x50 finder and an excellent view using the 15x50 IS binoculars. The cluster fills over half of the 20mm Nagler field, ~30'-35' diameter with over 100 stars resolved. The outline is quite irregular though well-detached at low power. A mag 5.2 M-type giant orange star (V460 = HD 66342) lies at the NE edge of the cluster. The central region is more concentrated and uniform and includes a number of tinted yellow or orange stars. A nice triple star (h4027 = 7.1/7.8/9.3 at 9" and 20") is on the west edge of the cluster and an excellent double (h4031 = 7.2/8.0 at 5") lies on the east side of the cluster. A long curving string starts in the center and heads NE to the mag 5.2 orange star. This string includes a 9" evenly matched pair of mag 9 stars (Innes 1104) that was resolved at low power. Mag 5.7 K-type orange subgiant HD 65662 is off the NW side of the cluster.

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): this bright naked-eye cluster is located SW of the "False Cross" (3 degrees SW of 2nd-magnitude Epsilon Carinae) and is the only open cluster in western Carina. It was well resolved in the 9x50 finder. At 105x, the main group is 25'-30' with outliers increasing the size and roughly 100 stars are resolved including a number of mag 6-8 stars. Many of the stars are arranged in loops and strings and overall the cluster is quite irregular in magnitudes and star distributions. There is a close, fairly bright double on the SE side (7.2/8.0 at 5.5") and a neat 13' chain of stars near the west side running N-S.

10x30 Canon IS (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is a prominent naked-eye cluster below the "False Cross" (formed by Epsilon and Iota Car as well as Delta and Kappa Vel), on a line with the longer axis (Epsilon Car and Kappa Vel) of the cross. In binoculars, it appeared well-resolved, ~50' diameter including outliers with 5 bright stars (mag 6.5-7.5) with a couple of dozen stars resolved overall. Appears fairly rich towards the center with a number of mag 8-10 stars.

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 2516 = Lac II-3 = h3111 in 1751-1752 using a 1/2-inch telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope. He noted a "Group of 10 to 12 stars, very compressed." NGC 2516 was not published in Dunlop's main catalogue but his handwritted notes read "Very fine cluster about 35' diameter, many of the stars of the 6th and 7th magnitude, mixed magnitudes. Figure irregular branched."

JH observed the cluster a number of times with his 18-inch f/13 speculum telescope at the CGH. His first record reads: "An orange-coloured star 8th magnitude, in middle of a large and magnificent cluster of perhaps 200 to 250 stars 8..16th mag. Many of the larger magnitudes, and really a superb object. Very visible to the naked eye, etc."

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NGC 2517 = MCG -02-21-003 = PGC 22578

08 02 47.0 -12 19 04

V = 11.8; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 70d

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, small, round, strong concentration with small bright core. Located in a rich star field between a mag 13 double star 1.1' S at 20" oriented E-W and a mag 11.5 star 1.0' NW. Mag 8.5 SAO 153747 lies 4.2' SW. Located 10° from the galactic equator.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2517 = h3110 on 16 Mar 1836 and noted "F; vS; R; between 3 stars 13 and 14 m." His position is 5 sec of RA east and 1' north of MCG -02-21-003 = PGC 22578 and the description of nearby stars matches. This galaxy is located only 10 degrees from the galactic equator.

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NGC 2518 = UGC 4221 = MCG +09-14-006 = CGCG 263-009 = PGC 22800

08 07 20.1 +51 07 53

V = 13.0; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 35d

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.

Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 2518, along with NGC 2519, in 1886 with the 15.5-inch Cook refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in Scarborough, England. The approximate NGC position matches UGC 4221. This is one of only 3 galaxies discovered by Lohse, out of 16 new entries in the NGC.

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NGC 2519

08 07 58.9 +51 07 42

=*?, Corwin. =NF, Sulentic

Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 2519, along with NGC 2518, in 1886 at the private Wiggleworth Observatory in Scarborough, England and described "Two nebulae, F, L, R, gbM, delta RA = 42 seconds". There is only a single galaxy at his position (UGC 4221) identified as NGC 2518. Corwin notes that 39 tsec following this galaxy is a 14th magnitude star (with three much fainter stars within an arcmin northwest) which might be the NGC 2519. There is an obvious error in the position given in RNGC (both RA and Dec) although NGC 2518 is correctly described as "Not found".

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NGC 2520 = NGC 2527 = ESO 430-SC15

08 04 58 -28 08 48

See observing notes for NGC 2527. Incorrect position in the RNGC.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2520 = h3112 on 5 Feb 1837 and recorded a "Cluster 7th class, distinguished among milky way clusters, pretty rich, bright. The star taken is the chief of a condensed hook in the following part." In the Cape Observations, JH identifies h3112 as equivalent to H VIII-30 = h488 but his position for h3112 is 3.0 min of RA too far west. Although his description matches H VIII-30 = h488, JH still listed separate entries in the GC for h3112 and h488, which later received the designations NGC 2520 and NGC 2527. So, NGC 2520 = NGC 2527, with NGC 2527 the earlier observation.

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NGC 2521 = UGC 4235 = MCG +10-12-077 = CGCG 287-042 = VV 632 = VII Zw 212 = PGC 22866

08 08 49.3 +57 46 10

V = 12.8; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 45d

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus. Located 3.6' SSE of a mag 9 star (Z Lyncis). This is the brightest of four in a group including UGC 4241 4.5' E. The three brighter galaxies and Z Lyncis form a perfect parallelogram. UGC 4241 appeared fairly large, small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, weak concentration.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2521 = h485 on 9 Feb 1831 and described "pF; R; psbM; sf a *9 dist 3'." His position and description matches UGC 4235, which is the brightest in a group.

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NGC 2522 = UGC 4218 = MCG +03-21-014 = CGCG 088-031 = PGC 22749

08 06 13.4 +17 42 24

V = 13.8; Size 1.0'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 32d

17.5" (11/2/91): fairly faint, small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, well concentrated with a small high surface brightness core which dominates view, very thin fainter extensions. NGC 2530 lies 25' ENE.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2522 = m 114 on 26 Jan 1865 and recorded "vF, vS, E, psbM." His position matches UGC 4218. Brightest in a group.

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NGC 2523 = Arp 9 = UGC 4271 = MCG +12-08-031 = CGCG 331-032 = PGC 23128

08 15 00.2 +73 34 44

V = 11.9; Size 3.0'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 57d

48" (4/21/17): bright, very large barred spiral! At 488x view was superb, with a strong bar running WNW-ESE, highlighted by an intensely brighter nucleus. Inner spiral arms are attached at the ends of the bar and form a circular inner ring with dark regions on opposite sides (southwest and northeast) of the bar. With averted vision a fainter outer halo extended mostly SW and NE, though I couldn't trace arm structure in the halo. A mag 11.7 star is 1.7' SW of center. Brightest in a group with NGC 2523B 9' W, UGC 4279 7' NE and NGC 2523C 19' SE.

NGC 2523B: moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 E-W, 40"x15", very faint outer extensions. A mag 14 star is at the southwest edge of the core. A mag 12.4 star is 1.2' SW.

UGC 4279: extremely to very faint, thin ghostly streak 0.4'x0.1'. This is the brighter central bar and the extremely low surface brightness arms or halo was not seen. Situated 7' NE of NGC 2523 and 2.5' S of mag 8.2 SAO 6469. I needed to keep the bright star out of the field to glimpse this galaxy.

NGC 2523C: fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, ~60"x20", well concentrated with an elongated bright core and small brighter nucleus. Located 20' SE of NGC 2523 and 10' WSW of mag 8.4 HD 68744. LEDA 213458 lies 2.8' NW. The companion (missing from Megastar) appeared fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, brighter core, 18" diameter.

17.5" (2/8/91): moderately bright, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, fairly small. A center contains a bright central bar with a small bright core. A mag 11.5 is off the SW edge 1.5' from the center. Forms a pair with NGC 2523B = UGC 4271 9' W and NGC 2523C = UGC 4290 lies 20' SE.

Edward Swift, Lewis' 14 year-old son, discovered NGC 2523 = Sw II-32 on 7 Sep 1885 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. The Swifts' position and description ("pB, pL, lE, lbM, * nr") is a good match with UGC 4271 = Arp 9. This is the brightest galaxy (of 23) that Edward discovered.

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NGC 2524 = UGC 4234 = MCG +07-17-016 = CGCG 207-034 = PGC 22838

08 08 09.6 +39 09 26

V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 125d

17.5" (2/24/90): fairly faint, fairly small, bright core, almost stellar nucleus, oval NW-SE. Forms a pair with NGC 2528 = UGC 4227 10' WNW.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2524 = St VIIIb-24, along with NGC 2528, on 22 Jan 1877 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory. His position is accurate and matches UGC 4234. Through a mix-up he placed NGC 2528 to the southeast of NGC 2524 instead of northwest. This error was caught and corrected by Esmiol in his 1916 re-reduction of Stephan's positions. See notes for NGC 2528.

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NGC 2525 = MCG -02-21-004 = UGCA 135 = PGC 22721

08 05 38.0 -11 25 41

V = 11.6; Size 2.9'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 75d

13.1" (1/11/86): fairly faint, large, slightly elongated E-W, diffuse, weak concentration. Located 3.8' NNE of mag 8.9 SAO 153813 and 6.2' S of mag 8.7 SAO 153816 on the Monoceros border.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2525 = H III-877 = h486 on 23 Feb 1791 (sweep 995) and recorded "vF, iR, resolvable, about 2' in diameter, almost of equal light throughout." JH called this galaxy "F; L; R; vgbM; 90"; among stars of the Milky Way." and measured an accurate position.

The galaxy was sketched as a spiral by R.J. Mitchell on 30 Jan 1856, using Lord Rosse's 72". He described "vF, L, oval. Several F stars on edge, suspect others in the neb., also dark spaces. Nucl or * in centre? Spiral as in diagram. A year later he saw additional details: "light very unequal, suspect nucleus and a star close foll nucleus, also star in p edge? Again I though I saw a darkness across np centre [gap in spiral arms] and knots in np edge, but it is very uncertain."

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NGC 2526 = UGC 4231 = MCG +01-21-012 = CGCG 031-047 = PGC 22778

08 06 58.6 +08 00 14

V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 140d

17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval WNW-ESE, broad concentration. There is a pretty pair of double stars in the field including a mag 11/12 pair at 10" located 3.5' ENE.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2526 = m 115 on 25 Mar 1864 and recorded "vF, S, mE." His position matches UGC 4231.

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NGC 2527 = NGC 2520 = ESO 430-SC15 = Cr 174

08 04 58 -28 08 48

V = 6.5; Size 22'

17.5" (3/7/92): 75-100 stars mag 10-14 in very large 30' loose group. This cluster is fairly bright with two fairly rich subgroups. The central 10' core includes about two dozen stars with a mag 10 star at the NW corner which has three fainter companions within 35". A rich string of faint stars oriented SSW-NNE of length 4' has two mag 10-11 stars at the endpoints. Outliers extend east and west and include a rich elongated group at the NE edge of the cluster.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2527 = H VIII-30 = h488 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 333) and noted "a very large cluster of many coarsely scattered large stars." From Slough, JH called the cluster "p rich; v coarsely scattered; fills field; st 10...15m. RA by working list [marked as uncertain]. JH also observed this cluster at the Cape and gave a similar description (even noting the equivalence with h488), but his RA was 3 min too far west. JH assigned separate GC designations and Dreyer two NGC numbers, so NGC 2527 = NGC 2520.

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NGC 2528 = UGC 4227 = MCG +07-17-015 = CGCG 207-032 = PGC 22805

08 07 24.9 +39 11 39

V = 12.7; Size 1.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.9

17.5" (2/24/90): faint, fairly small, round, almost even surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 2524 10' ESE.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2528 = St VIIIb-25 on 22 Jan 1877, along with NGC 2528. Through a mix-up in measuring the offset, Stephan's position for NGC 2528 is southeast of NGC 2524, instead of northwest. Corwin sorted out the situation (see his notes for NGC 2528), although it was first corrected by Esmiol in his 1916 re-reduction of Stephan's positions. Esmiol's new position (calling the object "Anon"), establishes NGC 2528 = UGC 4227. UGC 4227 is not labeled with the NGC designation in CGCG (207-032), UGC (4227) or MCG (+07-17-015) but it is correctly identified in RNGC, PGC and RC3.

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NGC 2529

08 07 48 +17 49

=Not found, Corwin. Incorrect identification in the RNGC.

Bigourdan discovered NGC 2529 = Big. 35 on 29 Jan 1887, along with NGC 2531. These were noted while examining the NGC 2530 field and placed 1' SW and 1' SE of NGC 2530 = H III-752. There is nothing at either of these offsets. RNGC misidentifies NGC 2530 as NGC 2529 and UGC and CGCG misidentify NGC 2530 as NGC 2529 = NGC 2531. See RNGC Corrections #5.

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NGC 2530 = (R)N2529 = UGC 4237 = MCG +03-21-020 = CGCG 088-038 = PGC 22827

08 07 55.6 +17 49 06

V = 13.6; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 170d

17.5" (11/2/91): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 N-S. Unusual appearance as a mag 13 star is attached at the north end 0.8' from center and the galaxy appears to fan out to the south. The edges are difficult to define. NGC 2522 lies 25' WSW. Incorrectly identified as NGC 2529 in the RNGC, UGC, CGCG.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2530 = H III-752 = h487 on 22 Feb 1789 (sweep 906) and noted "eF, lE, south of a vS star." His position and description is accurate, matching UGC 4237. R.J. Mitchell, observing with Lord Rosse's 72" on 25 Jan 1857, recorded "light mottled, bright star to north, another faint star close to nf edge, suspect other stars involved."

RNGC misclassifies NGC 2530 as nonexistent (Type 7), though the correct data for NGC 2530 is listed under the entry for NGC 2529. NGC 2530 is misidentified as NGC 2529 = NGC 2531 in UGC and NGC 2529 in the MCG (+03-21-020). See my RNGC Corrections #5 and Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 2531

08 08 01 +17 49

=Not found, Corwin and RNGC. Incorrect position in the RNGC.

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 2531 = Big 36 on 29 Jan 1887, along with NGC 2529. These two supposedly nebulous objects were noted while examining NGC 2530. NGC 2531 was placed 1' SE, but there is nothing at this offset. See my comments on NGC 2529 and 2530 as well as Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 2532 = UGC 4256 = MCG +06-18-013 = CGCG 178-032 = PGC 22922

08 10 15.4 +33 57 26

V = 12.4; Size 2.2'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 10d

17.5" (3/28/92): fairly faint, moderately large, 1.5', slightly elongated NW-SE, gradually brightens towards the center, faint stellar nucleus, slightly mottled appearance. A mag 12 star 1.6' NNE is within a collinear string of six mag 11/12 stars oriented WNW-ESE running through the 20' field and a mag 11.5 star is 2.6' SSW.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2532 = H II-726 = h489 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 807) and remarked "pF, pL, iR, lbM, resolvable, south of 2 stars that are nearly in the parallel." His position (Auwers' reduction) is just off the southeast side of the halo. This galaxy was observed 13 times at Birr Castle and an arm was suspected several times on the south side. Also a companion close north was sketched (not in GC or NGC), but this is probably a very faint star.

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NGC 2533 = ESO 430-SC019 = Cr 175

08 07 04 -29 53 06

V = 7.6; Size 4'

17.5" (2/8/91): about 20 stars surrounding mag 8.8 SAO 175203. Also includes a mag 10.5 star but the remainder are 13th and 14th magnitude. Fairly small, 4' diameter, does not stand out well in rich field.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2533 = h3113 on 22 Jan 1835 and recorded "place (RA doubtful) of a *9 m; cheif of cl p rich; irreg R; glbM; 5'; stars 13m. Belong to milky way, but is a much more compressed part of it."

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NGC 2534 = UGC 4268 = MCG +09-14-014 = CGCG 263-014 = Mrk 85 = PGC 23024

08 12 54.1 +55 40 19

V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.5

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, small, round, broadly concentrated halo, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 15 star is 1' N. Located 2' N of mag 8.0 SAO 26726.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2534 = H III-840 = h490 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 949) and noted "cF, cS." His position, based on CH's reduction is just 1.6' too far northwest (typical error), though Auwers' reduced position is 9' S of UGC 4268 (an offset shared by several objects discovered on this sweep including NGC 2469, 2488, 2497 and 2505). JH called it "pB; L; R; psbM; diam 60" and very gradually fading away; has a *8m pos = 164.3°. His position and description is accurate.

R.J. Mitchell, observing on 7 Mar 1885 with Lord Rosse's 72" described "Has r[esolved] look, * plain at north end. Alpha [from sketch] is a knot or star. Neb is bM and probably spiral. Certainly a dark space from south-preceding to north." Spiral structure is not evident on the DSS.

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NGC 2535 = Arp 82 NED1 = VV 9a = Holm 94a = UGC 4264 = MCG +04-20-004 = CGCG 119-008 = PGC 22957

08 11 13.5 +25 12 23

V = 12.8; Size 2.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 0d

48" (4/2/11): this is the prominent member of a striking interacting pair (Arp 82) with NGC 2536 1.8' SSE. At 375x appeared bright, fairly large, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, ~1.6'x0.9' (including arms). Contains a relatively large, bright core spanning ~40"x30" and punctuated by a very bright, stellar nucleus. Attached at the west side of the core is a graceful spiral arm that curves clockwise towards the south-southeast in the direction of NGC 2536. The arm fades towards the south-southeast end and increased in length with averted vision though it did not reach the smaller companion. A second arm is attached on the east side and shoots north, though it's only 2/3 the length of the interacting arm. A string (1.4' length) of three mag 12-13 stars is off the west side of the galaxy.

17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, weak concentration. Forms a close pair with NGC 2536 1.8' SSE (Arp 82). Located just following a line of three mag 12 stars 1.6' WSW, 1.2' W and 0.9' NW of center.

13" (1/18/85): faint, small, round, diffuse, even surface brightness. Located 22' SSE of a mag 6 star.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2535 = St VIIIb-26 on 22 Jan 1877, along with NGC 2536. His position matches UGC 4264.

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NGC 2536 = Arp 82 NED2 = VV 9b = Holm 94b = MCG +04-20-005 = CGCG 119-009 = PGC 22958

08 11 16.0 +25 10 46

V = 14.2; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 112d

48" (4/2/11): fainter and smaller member of an interacting pair (Arp 82) with NGC 2535. At 375x appeared fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~30"x20", high surface brightness, moderate concentration with a very small, very bright core. Located 1.8' SSE of NGC 2535. A spiral arm hooks from the west side of NGC 2535, appearing to be tidally stretched SE in the direction of NGC 2536, though not reaching the companion.

17.5" (2/20/88): faint, very small, oval ~SW-NE, small bright core. Forms a close pair with brighter NGC 2535 1.8' NW.

13" (1/18/85): very faint, very small, diffuse. Located 2' SE of NGC 2535.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2536 = St VIIIb-27 on 22 Jan 1877, along with NGC 2535. His position matches MCG +04-20-005 (southeast component of an interacting pair w/NGC 2535).

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NGC 2537 = Bear-Paw Galaxy = Arp 6 = VV 138 = UGC 4274 = MCG +08-15-050 = CGCG 236-035 = Mrk 86 = PGC 23040

08 13 14.5 +45 59 31

V = 11.7; Size 1.7'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.6

48" (4/15/10): At 624x, the view of the highly irregular "Bear-paw" galaxy (Arp 6) was fascinating. The galaxy is fairly large, roundish, 1.5' diameter and is broken up into bright knots and arcs that border a large curving dust lane that winds through the glow and traces out a dark "U" inside the galaxy. The main bright regions form the three "toes" of the Bear-paw. On the NW side, the first "toe" consists of the brightest knot, ~0.3' diameter, with a second smaller and fainter knot close south. The combined glow from this "toe" is ~30". In the center is a brighter core, ~0.3' diameter, which is nearly isolated by the obscuring dust, but the glow extends to the south end of the galaxy where it brightens slightly at the rim, forming the middle toe. The third toe is on the following side of the galaxy (~0.3' diameter) and is less prominent, though slightly brighter due east of center. The curving "U"-shaped dust channel enters the galaxy both west and east of the middle toe in two parallel lanes and curves around the core, forming a noticeable arc on the north side of the core.

17.5" (3/23/85): moderately bright, fairly small, round. The "Bear-paw" galaxy has an unusual appearance with a dark lane or vacuity in the center. A small slightly brighter knot is visible along the NW edge. A mag 11 star is 2' SE. Located 6.5' E of mag 8.4 SAO 42225. IC 2233, a faint edge-on, lies 18' SE. Forms a pair with NGC 2537A = MCG +08-15-051 4.5' E (not seen with this scope).

13" (2/25/84): fairly faint, small, round, no structure.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2537 = H IV-55 = h491 on 6 Feb 1788 (sweep 809) and recorded "pB; R; pL; preceding a star about 1'." On 10 Mar 1788 (sweep 817) he logged "pB, R, almost of an even light througout, approaching to a planetary [he placed it in the category of planetary nebulae] but very ill defined, and a little fainter on the edges, about 3/4 or 1' dia." John Herschel observed the galaxy on 19 Mar 1828 and remarked, "It is a globular cluster. Being a remarkable fine night, I see the stars." NGC 2537 was observed 20 times at Birr Castle and even noted as "probably spiral" in Jan 1852, although photographs show no significant spirality. Other observations refer to its resolvability and the GC and NGC description call it a globular cluster! When it was photographed at Lick Observatory with the Crossley reflector, Curtis noted (1918), "This is not a cluster, as described in the NGC, but a bright, irregular spiral." Francis Peases desribed it as a "horseshoe" based on a photograph with the 60" at Mt. Wilson, and mentions a "faint spot" nearby to the east, which is the companion galaxy NGC 2537A.

Wolfgang Steinicke reports that the nickname is from Ron Buta, based on an observation through a 36" telescope at McDonald 36" (Webb Society Galaxy Handbook, 1981): "Small and of relatively high surface brightness; shaped like a bear-paw, the structure consisting of a single spiral arm winding from W to E around the N side; this ring-tail includes 3 knots, one of about 15 mag; a bar-like feature shows in the interior region of the arm and extends to the S edge of the galaxy; there is a faint glow between the arm and the bar feature".

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NGC 2538 = UGC 4266 = MCG +01-21-019 = CGCG 031-067 = PGC 22962

08 11 23.0 +03 37 59

V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 25d

17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core. Located between a mag 14 star 0.9' NW and a mag 12 star 1.7' SE. A faint double star mag 14/15 is just 1.2' E.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2538 = St VIIIb-28 on 2 Feb 1877. His position matches UGC 4266.

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NGC 2539 = Cr 176 = Mel 83 = OCL-611

08 10 37 -12 49 12

V = 6.5; Size 22'

18" (3/2/08): this cluster is situated 10' NW of 4.7-magnitude 19 Pup. Roughly 125 stars are spread out over a 20' region. At the NW end is a roughly equal mag pair, an 11" pair is on the east side and a brighter mag 10/11 pair at 20" is on the NE side.

13.1" (2/25/84): about 85 stars in a 20' diameter. Fairly rich with uniform magnitudes. A brighter mag 10/11 pair at 21" is on the north side. Located about 10' NW of 19 Puppis (V = 4.7).

William Herschel discovered NGC 2539 = H VII-11 = h3114 on 31 Jan 1785 (sweep 363) and called it "a cluster of stars, coarsely scattered, but considerably rich, above 20' diam." JH, observing from the Cape of Good Hope, recorded "a large, extended, rich cluster. Fills field; stars 12th mag approx. A bright star (6th mag) S.f."

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NGC 2540 = UGC 4275 = MCG +05-20-004 = CGCG 149-004 = PGC 23017

08 12 46.5 +26 21 41

V = 13.5; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 125d

17.5" (3/20/93): faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, fairly low surface brightness halo, weak concentration. Situated within a triangle of mag 14 stars the closest being 1.3' W. Located 8' NNE of mag 8.5 SAO 80013.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2540 = St XIII-37 on 10 Feb 1885 with the 31" silvered-glass reflector at the Marseille Observatory. His position matches UGC 4275.

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NGC 2541 = UGC 4284 = MCG +08-15-054 = CGCG 236-037 = PGC 23110

08 14 40.2 +49 03 43

V = 11.8; Size 6.3'x3.2'; Surf Br = 14.9; PA = 165d

13.1" (2/23/85): faint, fairly large, very diffuse halo, elongated NNW-SSE, weak concentration to an elongated core. A mag 10 star lies 4.5' NNE. In a group with NGC 2500 and NGC 2522.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2541 = H III-710 = h492 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815) and called it "vF, iF, 2.5' long, 1.75' broad." His position is 20 sec of RA west of center. JH recorded "not vF; L; lE; vgbM; 90"." His position is just north of the core of UGC 4284. This galaxy was observed three times at Birr Castle. An interesting sketch appears to show an elongated HII region or a portion of a spiral arm on the southwest side, separated from the main body.

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NGC 2542 = 19 Puppis = SAO 153942 = ADS 6647

08 11 16.3 -12 55 37

V = 4.7

=* 4.7 = 19 Pup. No nebulosity, Corwin and Carlson.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2542 = h3115 on 11 Dec 1836 and noted "a fine nebulous star 6 mag [19 Pup], in the following part of the cluster VII II [NGC 2539] and almost connected to it. The nebula is faint, but I feel confident that it is not the nebulous haze. [Notandum -Nothing more difficult than to prove a nebulous star of the 6th mag and above." In this case, the star is free of nebulosity. This is the 3rd brightest star with an entry in the NGC (after NGC 771 and 4530).

There are several similar cases of bright stars which JH assumed had a nebulous halo (see notes on NGC 4530). Harold Corwin mentions that JH may have been misled by the faint companion of 19 Puppis, though I think it's more likely he was misled by scattered light/dew. Interestingly, there were three observations made with the 72" and all described the star as being nebulous! In addition, Howe reported "I examined it one night, and saw a faint halo about 2' in diameter encircling it. It looked like a telescopic flare."

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NGC 2543 = IC 2232 = UGC 4273 = MCG +06-18-014 = CGCG 178-035 = PGC 23028

08 12 57.9 +36 15 13

V = 11.9; Size 2.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 45d

17.5" (3/28/92): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 2.0'x1.5', very small brighter core. Two mag 11.5 stars are 2.4' NW and 3.9' NW on a line with NGC 2543.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2543 = H II-719 = h493 on 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 803) and recorded "F, pL, iR, bM." His position is 10 sec of RA west and 5' south of UGC 4273. A second observation from 10 Mar 1790 (sweep 937) reads "In a line with a N.p. star, pB, cL, iR, vgbM." The second observation is even further off in dec.

JH noted "vF; R; a course double * precedes points to it. Deta RA = 1 m 2 sec." There is nothing at his position but two minutes of RA west is UGC 4273 and two stars at 1.6' separation are northwest. The RA given in the GC and NGC is ~1.0 tmin too far east but Rudolph Spitaler's micrometric position, measured on 24 Dec 1891 and published in the IC 1 notes section, is accurate. Stephane Javelle independently found the galaxy on 12 Feb 1896, assumed it was new and reported it in list 3-1028 (later IC 2232) with an accurate position. Dreyer missed the equivalence NGC 2543 = IC 2232. See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 2544 = UGC 4327 = MCG +12-08-034 = CGCG 331-036 = Mrk 87 = PGC 23453

08 21 40.3 +73 59 16

V = 12.9; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 70d

17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, brighter core. Located 5.5' SW of a mag 9.5 star. Forms a close pair with MCG +12-08-035 1.3' ENE. NGC 2550 lies 12' ENE.

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2544 = Sw II-33 on 7 Sep 1885 (along with NGC 2550) with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. His description reads "eeF; pS; R; sev B stars nearly surround it." His position is 16 sec of RA west and 1.4' south of UGC 4327 and there are several mag 11-12 stars nearby (mostly west).

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NGC 2545 = UGC 4287 = MCG +04-20-007 = CGCG 119-016 = PGC 23086

08 14 14.2 +21 21 20

V = 12.4; Size 2.0'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 170d

13.1" (1/11/86): moderately bright, fairly small, almost round, gradually increases to a small brighter core. A mag 14.5 star at the NNW edge 1.0' from center is similar to the substellar nucleus. Located 3.9' ESE of a mag 9.5 star at the west edge of the Cancer I galaxy cluster.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2545 = H II-627 = h494 on 11 Jan 1787 (sweep 683) and noted "eF, pS, E." The same sweep he observed Uranus and discovered the moons Titania and Oberon. On 13 Feb 1787 (sweep 698) he recorded "F, S, irr F, lE sp to nf." There is nothing at his position but 30 sec of RA preceding and 4' north is UGC 4287. In the 1912 publication of WH's catalogues, Dreyer adds the note "RA by Sweep 683 29 seconds too great, PD 3.5' too great. But in the interval between the star and the neb, H. had discovered two satellites of Uranus, whereby the telescope may have been slightly disturbed." JH logged this galaxy as "F; S; R; has a *8m; 4' dist p." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 2546 = ESO 369-SC7 = Cr 178

08 12 16 -37 35 42

V = 6.3; Size 41'

13.1" (1/30/06 - Costa Rica): this very large, bright scattered cluster was just visible to the naked eye close south of a brighter, hazy naked-eye patch of unresolved stars. The field is beautifully rich, at least 45' diameter though there was no distinct border. The star field looks impressive beyond the edges of the 66' field of the 20 Nagler. On the northwest side is a rich, elongated strip of ~20 stars that is quite eye-catching. Includes a few pairs and a neat triple with a fairly close unequal mag pair at the SSW end of the elongated strip.

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): this cluster is a very bright, scattered field of stars that completely fills the nearly 40' field at 105x. Partially resolved in the 9x50 finder. At the NW edge is a rich elongated strip of two dozen stars including a couple of close, unequal pairs and tight fainter triple. John Herschel's description applies to this denser group of stars. A mag 6.4 star (h4051 = HD 68450) with two mag 13.5 companions is off the NW side of the larger group but does not appear to be part of the cluster and a similar star lies to the SE (HD 68862).

13.1" (1/18/85): ~75 stars, bright, very large, scattered, overfills 30' field.

8" (3/28/81): ~25 stars, rich, elongated. At the edge of a large, scattered field of stars.

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 2546 = Lac II-4 = D 563 = h3116 in 1751-1752 using a 1/2-inch refractor at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope. He recorded II-4 as follows: "One sees with the naked eye two neighboring confused groups of stars; but with the telescope they are faint, distinct stars, very numerous & very close together."

James Dunlop observed the cluster on 8 May 1826 and recorded "a large cluster of stars of mixt magnitude, rather extended figure, not rich in very small stars." He made two observations and his position is 17' N of center (typical error). JH made 3 observations from the CGH, first recording on 1 Feb 1835 "a cluster 8th class of about 20 bright stars in an oblong, 8' long, 3' broad."

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NGC 2547 = ESO 209-SC18 = Cr 177 = Mel 84 = Lund 432

08 10 11 -49 13 30

V = 4.7; Size 20'

13.1" (1/30/06 - Costa Rica): this naked-eye cluster to the south of Gamma Velorum (bright binocular double) is roughly 30'x20' in size. There is a very distinctive, gently curving arc of stars bowed out to the east that defines the eastern side of the central region and the brightest mag 6.5 star (HD 68478) is along this arc. Three nice pairs are to the west and NW of the mag 6.5 star (one of these pairs has a third fainter companion forming a triple). The main portion of the cluster is enclosed in two outer strings of stars that form a large "V" with the vertex to the east of the mag 6.5 star and the pair of strings increase the diameter to 30'. While scanning for NGC 2547 I ran across a bright, distinctive red star to the west (probably M3-class HD 67821).

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): this is a very bright naked-eye cluster that includes a number of mag 7-8 stars. It appears at least 20'-25' in diameter, though the outer boundaries are pretty arbitrary. Very unusual arrangement as a number of the brighter stars form a curving arc which is bowed out towards the east and which defines the eastern border of the cluster! The brightest mag 6.5 star is within this arc on the south side of the cluster. The cluster is encased in faint reflection nebulosity, though this was not visible.

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 2547 = Lac III-2 = D 410 = h3117 in 1751-1752 using a 1/2-inch telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope. He described III-2 as "five faint stars like the letter T in nebulosity." Dunlop observed the cluster twice recording "A curiously arranged group of pretty bright small stars of mixt magnitudes. This answers to the place of 310 Argus (Bode) and is described by Lacaille as nebula with five small stars forming the letter T in it. There is no nebulosity in this place. The diameter of the cluster may be about 12'. Figure 16 is a very good representation of the group."

John Herschel first logged the cluster on 28 Dec 1834 and recorded "chief star 7th mag about, of a vL, loose, brilliant cluster of very scattered stars, 1 of 7th mag, 2 of 8th mag, rest 9...16th mag. Fills more than field; 100...150 stars." JH inadvertently equated this cluster with D 411 instead of D 410 and this error was copied into the NGC.

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NGC 2548 = M48 = Cr 179

08 13 43 -05 45 00

V = 5.8; Size 54'

18" (3/15/10): large, sprawling cluster that nearly fills the 67' field of the 31mm Nagler. The most distinctive portion, though, is a 20'x15' group near the center which contains roughly 75 stars, many arranged in strings. Most prominent is a fairly dense SW-NE string of brighter stars that cuts through the cluster with a nice double star in the center (h 2435 = 9.6/9.7 at 7"). A short chain of a few stars branches off to the south of h2435. Another stream of stars branches off this string to the SSW. A third elongated group of stars extends SW-NE on the south side, roughly parallel to main string, and is separated by a mostly starless lane. The cluster includes a number of mag 8-9 stars, with the brightest mag 8.2. At 73x, the main cluster is wedged between two very long streams of stars, roughly oriented NW to SE off both the north and south sides of the main group. These two strings of stars extend the total diameter to over 50'. On the NW side of the central group, a number of stars are scattered between these two streams including a few very wide pairs, but the SE end the two streams are well separated with a very few stars in between.

13.1" (2/16/85): about 125 stars in a large 40' field with no distinct borders. A rich chain of stars oriented SSW-NNE passes through the center. Includes a number of brighter mag 10 stars and many double stars. Partially resolved in 16x80 finder.

Charles Messier discovered M48 = NGC 2548 = H VI-22 = h496 on 19 Feb 1771 and described a "Cluster of very faint stars, without nebulosity; this cluster is a short distance from the three stars that form the beginning of the Unicorn's tail." This cluster, though, was lost for a couple of centuries due to an error in his listed position. Owen Gingerich, in a Oct 1960 article "The Missing Messier Objects" in Sky & Tel, notes that Dr. Morris has pointed out the NGC 2548 has the same RA as Messier's position for M48 though is off by 5° in declination. Messier did not publish the offset star and there is no convenient nearby offset star that might have been source of the problem (misidentified or wrong offset directions) , but this is the only bright cluster in the region that fits his description.

Caroline Herschel independently discovered M48 on 8 Mar 1783 and WH also found it on 1 Feb 1786. He recorded VI-22 as "a beautiful cluster of stars, considerably rich, and pretty much compressed, 10 or 12' dia. The stars are nearly of a size, white and pretty large." He later noted "C.H. [Caroline Herschel] discovered it in 1783."

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NGC 2549 = UGC 4313 = MCG +10-12-124 = CGCG 287-069 = PGC 23313

08 18 58.2 +57 48 11

V = 11.2; Size 3.9'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 177d

13.1" (1/18/85): fairly bright, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 N-S, 2.0'x0.5', very bright core, stellar or almost stellar nucleus. Located 10' WNW of mag 5.9 30 Lyncis.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2549 = h495 on 9 Feb 1831 and recorded "pB; S; mE; pos in merid; psmbM; 15" l, 6" br. A *7m follows." His position and description matches UGC 4313.

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NGC 2550 = UGC 4359 = MCG +12-08-037 = CGCG 331-039 = PGC 23604

08 24 34.4 +74 00 44

V = 12.8; Size 1.0'x0.4'; Surf Br = 11.6; PA = 103d

17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 ~E-W, even surface brightness. A mag 14.5 star is at the west tip 0.8' from center. A nice unequal double star SAO 6528 = 8.6/13 lies 2.5' E. Nearby is NGC 2544 12' W and NGC 2550A = UGC 4397 23' SE.

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2550 = Sw II-34 on 7 Sep 1885 (along with NGC 2544) and recorded "eeF; pS; cE; bet an eF *, and an unequal double star." His position and description matches UGC 4359.

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NGC 2551 = UGC 4362 = MCG +12-08-038 = CGCG 331-040 = LGG 160-005 = PGC 23608

08 24 50.2 +73 24 44

V = 12.1; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 55d

17.5" (2/9/02): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, 1.3'x0.7'. A mag 12 star (with a mag 14.5-15 companion 30" N) lies 2' NE. The halo suddenly rises to a very small, bright core and stellar nucleus.

13.1" (1/11/86): faint, diffuse, slightly elongated, brighter star off NE side. Observation made through thin clouds.

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2551 = T VI-2 on 9 Aug 1882 (while searching for Comet Pons (1812)) with the 11" refractor at Arcetri Observatory in Venice. He measured an approximate position and noted "Class III nebula, stellar center; on 11 August observed them again. Lewis Swift independently discovered the galaxy on 7 Sep 1885, and recorded it in list II-35. Swift's position is 17 tsec west of UGC 4362. MCG misidentifies MCG +12-08-039 (one degree north) as NGC 2551.

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NGC 2552 = UGC 4325 = MCG +08-15-062 = CGCG 236-042 = PGC 23340

08 19 20.2 +50 00 26

V = 12.1; Size 3.5'x2.3'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 45d

13.1" (2/23/85): faint, moderately large, elongated. A mag 11 star is off the NE side 3.1' from the center.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2552 = H III-711 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815) and logged "eF, E from sp to nf, about 3.5' long, 2.5' broad." His position (Auwers' reduction) is 2.4' NW of UGC 4325 = PGC 23340.

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NGC 2553 = MCG +04-20-014 = CGCG 119-031 = PGC 23240

08 17 35.0 +20 54 11

V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1

17.5" (1/1/92): faint, small, round, gradually increases to small bright core, occasional faint stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star is 2' ENE. NGC 2556 lies 21' E. Member of Cancer 1 galaxy cluster.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2553 = m 116 on 17 Feb 1865 with Lassell's 48" and recorded "vF, S, glbM." His position is 2' north of CGCG 119-031 = PGC 23240 (same offset as NGC 2556).

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NGC 2554 = UGC 4312 = MCG +04-20-015 = CGCG 119-033 = PGC 23256

08 17 53.6 +23 28 20

V = 12.0; Size 3.2'x2.3'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 142d

24" (2/16/15): at 322x; moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.9'. Sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases to a very small, intense nucleus. A mag 13.5-14 star is barely off the southeast end, 1.2' from center and a comparable star is off the north side, 1.4' from center.

CGCG 119-032 forms the west vertex of an equilateral triangle framing the galaxy with the two nearby stars, and lies just off the west edge [1.4' from center]. At 450x it appeared extremely faint (V = 15.5), round, just 6" diameter. Once identified at high power it was also seen at 322x.

17.5" (3/28/92): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 N-S, strongly concentrated with an abrupt well-defined very bright core, sharp stellar nucleus, faint halo with ill-defined edge. Two mag 14 stars are 1.2' SSE and 1.4' NNE of center. Located at the north edge of the Cancer I galaxy cluster. CGCG 119-032 is just 1.5' W but was not noticed.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2554 = H II-303 = h497 on 28 Feb 1785 (sweep 374) and recorded "F, S, mbM, r." On 11 Jan 1787 (sweep 683) he noted "eF, vS, near some vF stars; may be a patch of a few extr small stars." On 10 Feb 1787 (sweep 697), he logged "pF, S, mbM, irr R." JH called the galaxy "pB, R, bM" but his position was 1.0 min of RA too far east and this error was repeated in the GC and finally the NGC. Dreyer corrected the RA in the IC 2 notes.

Five observations of the galaxy were made with LdR's 72". Bindon Stoney recorded on 9 Mar 1852: "R, bMNucl, 2 st 14m nf and sf, a vS * preceding about the same dist." Interestingly, the "vS * preceding" is CGCG 119-032, a faint compact galaxy. At V = 15.6, this is one of the fainter galaxies discovered with the 72" (though of course it was seen as virtually stellar) and took some effort in my 24", knowing the exact position.

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NGC 2555 = UGC 4319 = MCG +00-21-012 = CGCG 003-028 = Holm 95a = PGC 23259

08 17 56.3 +00 44 45

V = 12.2; Size 1.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 115d

17.5" (2/13/88): moderately bright, moderately large, oval NW-SE. Several stars are near including a mag 12 star at the SE edge 1.1' from the center, a mag 13 star 1.7' NNE and a mag 14.5 star is at the NW edge 0.9' from center.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2555 = H III-256 = h498 on 20 Dec 1784 (sweep 346) and remarked "vF, vS, diffused about the middlemost of 3 small stars in a row; but seems not connected to them; they being too large and like the rest of the scattered stars. Verified with 240 power." JH described the galaxy as "vF; between a *12m sf and one 16m, north. The former dist about 1 diam, the latter about 1/2 diam from edge. His position is accurate. Two stars at the NW edge were recorded in 1857 by R.J. Mitchell, the observing assistant on Lord Rosse's 72".

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NGC 2556 = CGCG 119-045 = LGG 158-006 = PGC 23325

08 19 00.9 +20 56 13

V = 14.4; Size 0.6'x0.3'; PA = 138d

18" (2/26/11): very faint, very small, round, very small brighter core, sharp stellar nucleus. A wide pair of mag 13.14 stars are within 2' SSW and a mag 10.5 star is 3.5' SE. Located 24' WSW of NGC 2563, the brightest galaxy in the core of the Cancer I cluster.

17.5" (1/1/92): very faint, very small, round. A pair of mag 13/14 stars are 1.3' S and 1.7' S. NGC 2560 lies 12' WNW and NGC 2553 21' W. Located near the center of the Cancer I galaxy cluster.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2556 = m 117 on 17 Feb 1865 and noted "vF, vS." His position is 2' north of CGCG 119-045, the same offset error he made with NGC 2553.

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NGC 2557 = UGC 4330 = MCG +04-20-021 = CGCG 119-048 = PGC 23329

08 19 10.8 +21 26 09

V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 55d

18" (2/26/11): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, gradually increases to a small brighter core. Forms the eastern vertex of a small isosceles triangle with two mag 13.5 stars 2.5' NW and 2.7' SW. Also forms a larger isosceles triangle with mag 7.8 HD 69698 situated 5' NW and a mag 11 star 5' SSW. IC 2293 lies 5.6' SE. This fainter galaxy appeared faint, small, round, 20" diameter, low even surface brightness.

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, small, round, gradually brighter core. Located 5' SE of mag 8.2 SAO 80087 in the Cancer I galaxy cluster.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2557 = St VIIIb-29 on 2 Feb 1877 with the 31" silvered-glass reflector at the Marseille Observatory. Esmiol's re-reduced position is an exact match with UGC 4330.

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NGC 2558 = UGC 4331 = MCG +04-20-022 = CGCG 119-050 = PGC 23337

08 19 12.8 +20 30 38

V = 13.0; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 160d

18" (2/26/11): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 or 3:2 NNW-SSE, 32"x24", sharply concentrated with a 15" bright core. Located south of the central region of the Cancer I cluster.

17.5" (1/1/92): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, gradually brighter halo, small bright core. Member of Cancer I galaxy cluster.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2558 = H III-606 = h499 on 13 Feb 1787 (sweep 698) and recorded "vF, S." JH called the galaxy "pF; R; psbM; and then a feeble atmos 25"."

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NGC 2559 = ESO 494-041 = MCG -04-20-003 = UGCA 136 = VV 475 = AM 0815-271 = PGC 23222

08 17 06.3 -27 27 33

V = 10.9; Size 3.7'x1.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 6d

17.5" (2/8/91): moderately bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 N-S. Unusual appearance as nestled between four stars in a rich Milky Way field! Slight concentration but no core. The brightest of four nearby stars is mag 9.5 SAO 175514 at the east side, 40" from the center. Located just 4.5 degrees from the galactic equator!

John Herschel discovered NGC 2559 = h3118 on 5 Feb 1837 and recorded "pL, F, glbM, in a field of about 60 stars; one of which = 9th mag, and some others also of less magnitudes are involved." His position is just off the east side of ESO 494-041 = PGC 23222.

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NGC 2560 = UGC 4337 = MCG +04-20-027 = CGCG 119-058 = PGC 23367

08 19 51.9 +20 59 06

V = 13.3; Size 1.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 93d

18" (2/26/11): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 or 3:1 E-W, 0.8'x0.3', sharply concentrated with a small bright core and fainter extensions. Located 1.5' E of a mag 10.4 star and 11' SW of NGC 2563, the brightest galaxy in the core of the Cancer I cluster.

17.5" (2/8/91): faint, small, very elongated 3:1 E-W, small bright core. Located 4.5' NE of mag 7.9 SAO 116633. A mag 10.5 star is 1.5' W. Located near the core of the Cancer I galaxy cluster with NGC 2556 12' WSW.

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2560 on 17 Mar 1862 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory (recorded as #78 in AN 1500). His position (based on 4 measurements) matches UGC 4337 and he accurately placed the nearby mag 10.5 star as 7 seconds of time preceding.

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NGC 2561 = UGC 4336 = MCG +01-22-001 = CGCG 031-081 = CGCG 032-001 = PGC 23351

08 19 36.9 +04 39 26

V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 138d

17.5" (3/7/92): faint, very small, round, faint stellar nucleus. Located 7' SW of mag 8.6 SAO 116633.

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2561 = Sw VI-31 on 23 Mar 1887 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and recorded "vF, S, R, right angles with 2 stars." His position is 8 sec of RA west of UGC 4336 and the two stars lie southwest and southeast.

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NGC 2562 = UGC 4345 = MCG +04-20-031 = CGCG 119-063 = PGC 23395

08 20 23.7 +21 07 53

V = 12.9; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 3d

18" (2/26/11): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 N-S, 30"x24", contains a small bright core that gradually increases to the center. Forms a nice pair with brighter NGC 2563 4.7' SE. NGC 2560 lies 11' SW and UGC 4332 is a similar distance west.

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, small, oval 3:2 N-S, halo brightens to a small bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 2563 4.7' SE. Member of Cancer I galaxy cluster.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2562 = H III-607 = h500, along with NGC 2563, on 13 Feb 1787 (sweep 698) and noted "F, S, bM." His position is less than 2' WNW of NGC 2562 (similar offset as nearby NGC 2558 = H III-606). JH's position is accurate.

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NGC 2563 = UGC 4347 = MCG +04-20-033 = CGCG 119-065 = LGG 158-005 = PGC 23404

08 20 35.7 +21 04 04

V = 12.2; Size 2.1'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 80d

18" (2/26/11): moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.0' diameter, pretty sharply concentrated with a bright, 20" core. With direct vision, the core increases to a brighter stellar nucleus. Slightly brighter and larger than NGC 2562 4.7' NW. Located 20' NNE of mag 5.8 HD 69994. This is the brightest galaxy in the core region of the loose Cancer I cluster.

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, halo brightens evenly to a small bright core. Appears similar to NGC 2562 4.7' NW but slightly larger. Member of the Cancer I galaxy cluster.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2563 = H II-634 = h501, along with NGC 2562, on 13 Feb 1787 (sweep 698) and noted "vF, vS." His RA is 6 sec too large.

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NGC 2564 = ESO 562-001 = PGC 23290

08 18 30.0 -21 48 58

V = 13.4; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 60d

17.5" (3/25/95): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus. A very faint larger halo is visible at moments. A wide pair of mag 12/13 stars at 35" separation lies 2' NNW and two mag 14/15 stars are 1' NNW. Located in a rich star field.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2564 = h3119 on 28 Jan 1837 and recorded "vF; vS; R; gbM; at least 60 stars in field." His position is 7 sec of RA west of ESO 562-001. This galaxy is situated 8 degrees from the galactic equator.

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NGC 2565 = UGC 4334 = MCG +04-20-0264 = CGCG 119-057 = Mrk 386 = LGG 156-003 = PGC 23362

08 19 48.4 +22 01 51

V = 12.6; Size 1.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 167d

24" (4/28/14): at low power appears as close "double" consisting of a mag ~14 star and the fuzzy nucleus (similar or slightly brighter) of the galaxy! At 260x the bright core is elongated 2:1 N-S, 20"x10" and surrounded by a very low surface brightness halo, extending ~1.0'x0.6' NNW-SSE. The superimposed star is at the SSE edge of the core. At 375x, the galaxy is seen to be very sharply concentrated with a very bright core and low surface brightness halo. Forms a physical pair with CGCG 119-056 1.8' NW. The companion appeared faint, small, slightly elongated, 15"x12", contains a faint quasi-stellar nucleus.

17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, very small, small bright core, very faint halo elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE. Unusual appearance as the core of the galaxy forms a very close double with a similar star at the SE end. The outer halo appears to touch or encompass the star. Located 6.5' NW of mag 8.9 SAO 80108. This galaxy is an outlying member of the Cancer I cluster and is located ~1° north of center of the cluster.

Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 2565 around 1886 with the 15.5-inch Cooke refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in Scarborough, England. His position is 0.9 min of RA east and 1.5' N of UGC 4334 but his description "biN" applies to nucleus and a superimposed star.

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NGC 2566 = ESO 495-003 = MCG -04-20-008 = UGCA 138 = PGC 23303

08 18 45.5 -25 29 59

V = 11.0; Size 3.4'x2.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 50d

17.5" (3/25/95): faint, fairly large, elongated 3:2 ~ENE-WSW, 2.5'x1.8', diffuse, edges fade into background. Unconcentrated except for a nearly stellar bright core. Unusual appearance (similar to a Milky Way nebula) as it is located in a dense field among a rich group of faint stars including a mag 13 star just following the nucleus. A 10' semicircle of stars heads to the north and west. Forms a pair with IC 2311 7.6' N. The IC galaxy appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.2' diameter. Even concentration to a small bright core and stellar nucleus. NGC 2566 is the brightest member of the Klemola 10 quartet.

17.5" (3/7/92): faint, fairly large, elongated 3:2 E-W, ~2.0'x1.5', very low even surface brightness. There is no core and the outer halo is not well defined. Several stars are superimposed including a mag 13.5 star 22" ESE of center. Situated in a rich Milky Way field. Brightest in a group including IC 2311 7.6' N. Located just 6° from the galactic equator.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2566 = H III-288 on 6 Mar 1785 (sweep 381) and recorded "vF, considerably large, easily resolvable or rather some of the stars visible besides those of the milky way scattered over it." His position is off the north side of the galaxy. Herbert Howe described the galaxy as a "vS neb or neb *11 w/*12 close". Visually, nearby IC 2311 has a higher surface brightness and is more identifiable as a galaxy!

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NGC 2567 = ESO 431-SC3 = Cr 180 = Mel 86 = Lund 445

08 18 29 -30 38 42

V = 7.4; Size 10'

13.1" (3/24/84): about two dozen stars mostly mag 11-13 in 10' diameter elongated N-S. Includes a long string oriented N-S on the east side. On the SW wide is a "U" shaped group of brighter stars open to the north. Mag 9.0 SAO 199057 lies 6' SW. First in a group of four open clusters with NGC 2571 54' N, NGC 2580 44' NE and NGC 2587 93' NE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2567 = H VII-64 = h503 = h3120 on 4 Mar 1793 (sweep 1033) and recorded "a large cluster of stars of a middling size, irregularly extended and considerably rich. The stars are chiefly in rows." In his 1814 publication, Herschel speculated that each row of stars may have a different preponderating attraction, but every row will attract all the other rows..." JH described the cluster as "a fine, p rich cl; stars 11m pretty uniform 5..6' diam. The chief stars make a zigzag line, the outliers extending 20'."

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NGC 2568 = ESO 370-SC5 = OCL-727 = Pismis 1 = Lund 443

08 18 18 -37 06 18

V = 10.7; Size 5'

13.1" (1/18/85): small, faint group of about 6 stars over haze, unimpressive.

E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 2568 in 1881 with his 5-inch refractor in Nashville. In Sidereal Messenger, Vol 3, p60, he described a "very faint nebulosity of moderate extension; pretty even in light. A small star involved." So, with the 5-inch scope he didn't resolve the cluster. His discovery list in AN 2588 (1884) mentions Oliver Wendell, using the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College Observatory, described it as being "rather diffuse and faint, but gradually a little brighter in the middle." I'm surprised the large refractor didn't provide some resolution.

Cederblad catalogued the cluster Ced 105, although there does not appear to be nebulosity involved. The Lynga open cluster catalogue and Sky Catalogue 2000.0 identify the cluster as Pismis 1 although Barnard's accurate position makes the NGC identification certain. ESO does label the cluster NGC 2568.

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NGC 2569 = MCG +04-20-035 = CGCG 119-067 = LGG 158-013 = PGC 23442

08 21 21.1 +20 52 03

V = 14.3; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 119d

18" (2/26/11): faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, very small bright core in a fainter halo. A thin, distinctive triangle of mag 13 stars (separations roughly 12", 30", 30") is 1.5' following. Forms a pair with NGC 2570 2.6' N. Located 16' NE of mag 5.8 HD 69994.

17.5" (2/8/91): very faint, very small, round, small bright core in low surface brightness halo. A group of three mag 13 stars lie between 1.5'-2.0' E. Forms a pair with NGC 2570 2.6' N. Member of the Cancer I galaxy cluster.

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2569 on 19 Feb 1862 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory (recorded as #79 in AN 1500). His position and description ("a miniature 'Triangulum' is not much more than 1' distant") matches CGCG 119-067 = PGC 23442. Nearby NGC 2570 was discovered at Birr Castle.

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NGC 2570 = UGC 4354 = MCG +04-20-036 = CGCG 119-068 = PGC 23443

08 21 22.6 +20 54 37

V = 14.5; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 70d

18" (2/26/11): very faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, 0.4'x0.3', very low even surface brightness, no noticeable core or zones. Appears larger than NGC 2569, located 2.6' S, but more difficult due to a lower surface brightness. Located 14.5' SE of NGC 2563 (brightest galaxy in the region) and 17' NE of mag 5.8 HD 69994.

17.5" (2/8/91): very faint, small, very low surface brightness. Slightly larger than NGC 2569 2.6' S but has a lower surface brightness. Member of Cancer I galaxy cluster.

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 2570 on 20 Feb 1873 in his observation of GC 1650 = NGC 2569 (discovered by d'Arrest) with the 72". He recorded, with respect to NGC 2569, "eeF, L, R, pos 3.9°, dist 174.1". His micrometric offsets matches UGC 4354. This member of Cancer I has a redshift of z = .022.

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NGC 2571 = ESO 431-SC005 = Cr 181

08 18 56 -29 45 00

V = 7.0; Size 13'

13.1" (3/24/84): 18 stars mag 8.8-12 in 10' diameter. Includes a wide bright pair (mag 8.8 SAO 175580 and 8.9 SAO 175577) at 1' separation oriented NW-SE near the center. This cluster is larger and contains brighter stars than NGC 2587 one degree ENE. Also NGC 2580 lies 47' SE and NGC 2567 54' S.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2571 = H VI-39 = h502 on 3 Mar 1793 (sweep 1032) and noted "a cluster of large stars, considerably rich, iR, above 15' diameter." JH called it "a v loose straggling but p rich cl which fills the field, st 9m and under; vl comp middle. Some large st preced it."

NGC 2571 was discovered by WH (VI 39). Finder chart and photometry in PASP, 90, 1978.

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NGC 2572 = UGC 4355 = MCG +03-22-004 = CGCG 089-007 = PGC 23441

08 21 24.6 +19 08 52

V = 13.8; Size 1.3'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 133d

17.5" (3/20/93): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, low even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is just off the SSW end 0.5' from the center.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2572 = St VIIIb-30 on 2 Feb 1877. His position matches UGC 4355.

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NGC 2573 = Polarissima Australis = ESO 001-001 = PGC 6249

01 41 37.3 -89 20 04

V = 13.5; Size 2.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 70d

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x "Polarissima Australis" appeared moderately bright and large, very elongated at least 3:1, ~1.5'x0.5'. Contains a small bright core and a sharp stellar nucleus (possibly a star?). Mag 10.3 HD 23641 is 7.4' WNW.

NGC 2573 is the brightest of three galaxies close to the south celestial pole with NGC 2573A and 2573B 32' WNW. NGC 2573A is the fainter of a colliding pair at 1.3' separation with NGC 2573B. At 303x it appeared very faint to faint, moderately large, very elongated 7:2 ~N-S, ~0.7'x0.2', low surface brightness. NGC 2573B is fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 [PA 125°], 0.6'x0.2', fairly low surface brightness. The major axis is extended in the direction of NGC 2573A. A mag 13 star is 1.2' N. Images reveal an apparent bridge between the galaxies and plumes, tidal tails and knots (particularly with NGC 2573A). The outer tidal plumes were not seen based on my size estimate.

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 2573 is known as "Polarissima Australis" and is located only 40' from the south celestial pole. At 260x it appeared fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 7:2, ~1.6'x0.45'. Contains a very small, bright nucleus with much fainter extensions. A mag 10.6/11.2 pair at 7" separation was picked up 13' NNE. This galaxy was brighter than I expected based on descriptions I've read.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2573 = h3176 on 29 Mar 1837 and recorded "Neb Polarissima Australis. Faint, round, gradually a little brighter in the middle, 25" across. Situated nearly halfway between a star of 10th magnitude south of it, and a small triangle of stars 11th, 13th and 13th mag. north." This is the closest galaxy to the south celestial pole. Robert Innes reported he was unsuccessful in searching for it with the 9-inch Grubb refractor from Johannesburg. The RNGC positions are in error for NGC 2573, 2573A and 2573B.

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NGC 2574 = MCG -01-22-003 = PGC 23418

08 20 48.1 -08 55 08

V = 12.9; Size 2.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 150d

17.5" (2/1/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, low even surface brightness, no core. A trio of stars are at the south edge; a mag 11 star 1.4' SSE, a mag 13.5 star 1.3' S and a mag 13 star 1.2' SSW. Located 5' SW of mag 7.7 SAO 135801.

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 2574 = LM II-401 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is 7 sec of RA west and 2.8' south of MCG -01-22-003 and his description "mag 15.8, 1.0' dia, rr; *7.5 at 5' in PA 50°" matches this galaxy.

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NGC 2575 = UGC 4368 = MCG +04-20-040 = CGCG 119-075 = PGC 23501

08 22 44.9 +24 17 49

V = 12.7; Size 2.3'x1.9'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 145d

17.5" (1/1/92): faint, fairly small, round, no core though uneven surface brightness. A mag 15 star is at the west end and an extremely faint mag 16 star is involved at the east end. This is an outlying member of Cancer I galaxy cluster.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2575 = St IX-14 on 23 Feb 1878. His position and description "eeF, iR, 1' dia, envelops sev vF*" matches UGC 4368.

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NGC 2576 = UGC 4371 = MCG +04-20-041 = CGCG 119-076 = PGC 23512

08 22 57.7 +25 44 20

V = 14.3; Size 1.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 41d

17.5" (1/1/92): very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, weak concentration with thin extensions. Located 3.2' E of mag 8.2 SAO 80137 3.2' W. A mag 10.5 star is just 1.7' SSE.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2576 on 29 Mar 1865 with Lassell's 48" and recorded "eF, eS, stellar." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2577 = UGC 4367 = MCG +04-20-042 = CGCG 119-074 = PGC 23498

08 22 43.4 +22 33 11

V = 12.4; Size 1.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 105d

17.5" (1/1/92): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, ~0.8'x0.4', dominated by a prominent core, faint stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with UGC 4375 9' NE. I recorded UGC 4375 as "fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 N-S, brighter core, faint halo. The appearance is unusual as a mag 12 star is embedded in the east side. Also three mag 14-15 stars are nearby with one at the south edge."

William Herschel discovered NGC 2577 = H II-259 on 16 Nov 1784 (sweep 318) and logged "F, S, iF, resolvable." His position (Auwers' reduction) is 3.7' NW of UGC 4367 (similar offset as NGC 2599, the next nebula discovered in the sweep). Sir Robert Ball, the assistant on the 72" on 29 Dec 1866 recorded "a very remarkable object. I suspect details would be seen on a better night. At first I thought is was a nebulous star, but on closer examination considered it a B, vS neb with a nucl (perhaps stellar); branches were suspected p and f."

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NGC 2578 = MCG -02-22-002 = PGC 23440

08 21 24.3 -13 19 04

V = 12.6; Size 2.0'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 80d

24" (2/16/15): at 322x; moderately bright and large, oval E-W, 1.0'x0.7', fairly strong concentration with a well-defined bright core and much fainter halo. A mag 15 star is superimposed on the northeast side [24" from center]. Situated in a rich star field with a mag 10.5 star 2.5' SE.

Forms a pair with MCG -02-22-003 = PGC 23449, which lies just 50" E of the mag 10.5 star and 3.0' SE of NGC 2578. It was seen initially at 322x and at 450x appeared faint to fairly faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, ~20"x15".

17.5" (4/6/91): faint, small, oval 3:2 WSW-ENE, broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus at moments, in a fairly rich star field. Located 2.5' NNW of a mag 11 star. Forms a pair with MCG -02-22-003 3' SE (not seen) which is close following the mag 11 star.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2578 = H III-902 = h3121 on 8 Mar 1793 (sweep 1034) and logged "vF, lE, bM, resolvable." JH, observing from the Cape of Good Hope, recorded "vF, R, gbM, in a field full of Milky Way stars." Both Herschels' positions are accurate. JH missed the companion described in my observation.

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NGC 2579 = ESO 370-*N8 = ESO 370-PN?9 = Gum 11 = RCW 20 = PP 78 = NS 238

08 20 54.8 -36 13 00

Size 2'

17.5" (2/1/92): small, bright compact nebula involving a mag 10.5 star. Visible without filter as a small bright knot forming a close double with the mag 10.5 star just west. Using an OIII filter at 140x the size increases to 2' diameter and encompasses the mag 10.5 star. With this combination the nebula is quite prominent as the surface brightness is quite high! Located within a large scattered group of about 20 stars.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2579 = h3122 on 1 Feb 1835 and recorded "A double star (h4083) involved in pB nebulosity, which seems to belong to both stars; but of the two the smaller is more nebulous; diameter 50"; in a pretty rich patch of the milky way." The next night he logged "a double star, or a star and a nebula, very close and involving the star ... the field contains about 70 stars, of which 8 are about 9th mag. I cannot be quite positive that the neb extends beyond the large star, or that the small one is not a mere condensation of it. However, I remain pretty well satisfied of its investing both." His mean position (4 sweeps) corresponds with this compact HII region. The Lynga catalogue includes NGC 2579 as an open cluster at 08 20.3 -36 15 (1950), placing the object 20' too far SE! At the Lynga position is a scattered group of stars. This error is repeated in amateur sky-plotting software such as MegaStar. ESO 370-PN?009 is a faint, detached piece off the southeast side with a separate ionizing star.

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NGC 2580 = ESO 431-SC006 = Cr 183

08 21 29 -30 17 48

Size 8'

13.1" (3/24/84): 15-20 stars mag 10-13 within a rectangle of stars. A brighter double star is close north. Located 44' NE of NGC 2567 and 47' SE of NGC 2571 in a group of 4 open clusters along with NGC 2587 53' NNE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2580 = h3123 on 5 Feb 1837 and described a "cluster 7th class; R; p rich; insulated; 10' diam; stars 12m, nearly uniform." His position is ~1.0' SE of center of this cluster.

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NGC 2581 = UGC 4388 = MCG +03-22-010 = CGCG 089-019 = PGC 23599

08 24 30.9 +18 35 49

V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 10d

17.5" (1/1/92): faint, small, round, fairly low even surface brightness. A mag 13 star is 2.0' N and a mag 14 star is 1.5' NE of center. Outlying member of Cancer I galaxy cluster. Incorrectly identified in the UGC, CGCG and MCG as IC 2351.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2581 = St XIII-38 on 7 Mar 1885 and measured an accurate position. This is one of the last few galaxies discovered by Stephen. Max Wolf's IC 2351, found on Heidelberg plates, refers to a mag 16 star at the southwest edge (30" SSW of center), and UGC, CGCG and MCG mislabel the galaxy as IC 2351 instead of NGC 2581.

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NGC 2582 = IC 2359 = UGC 4391 = MCG +04-20-050 = CGCG 089-022 = CGCG 119-091 = PGC 23630

08 25 12.0 +20 20 05

V = 13.0; Size 1.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.3

17.5" (1/1/92): faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration, very symmetrical appearance. A bright double star O∑191 = 7.2/9.2 at 38" lies at the edge of the 220x field 11' SW. Outlying member of Cancer I galaxy cluster.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2582 = H III-753 = h504 on 22 Feb 1789 (sweep 907) and logged it as "vF, S, R, vlbM." There is nothing at his position (Auwers' reduction), but 10' southeast is UGC 4391. JH observed this galaxy on 3 occasions, recording on sweep 333, "vF; R; gbM; is 90" following a *11 m, and many small st near." His position on this sweep is at the south edge of the galaxy.

Max Wolf catalogued this galaxy from a Heidelberg plate and noted the entry was identical to NGC 2582, but Dreyer mistakenly recatalogued it as IC 2359. So, NGC 2582 = IC 2359. See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 2583 = MCG -01-22-008 = PGC 23516

08 23 07.9 -05 00 09

V = 13.4; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9

24" (2/16/15): fairly faint, small, round, 30" diameter, well concentration with a very small bright nucleus. Forms east vertex of a thin, isosceles triangle with two mag 14 stars 1.5' W [20" separation]. MCG -01-22-007 and -006 lies ~4' NNW.

17.5" (1/12/02): faint, small, round, 40" diameter, bright core, crisp-edge to halo. A 20" pair of mag 14.5/15 star is just 1.5' W. First of three on a SW-NE line with NGC 2584 2.7' NE and NGC 2585 6.9' NE.

17.5" (4/6/91): very faint, very small, round, strong concentration with very small bright core, stellar nucleus. A faint mag 14/14 double star with separation 20" oriented N-S lies 1.5' W. First of three on a line with NGC 2584 2.5' NE and NGC 2585 7' NE.

Frank Muller discovered NGC 2583 = LM II-402 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 13.5, 0.4' dia, R, sbMN, 1st of 4 [with NGC 2584, 2585, 2586]." There is nothing at his position, but 1.0 min of RA west is MCG -01-22-008 = PGC 23516. Kobold measured an accurate position at Strassburg in 1895. MCG doesn't label this galaxy NGC 2583.

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NGC 2584 = MCG -01-22-009 = PGC 23523

08 23 15.4 -04 58 13

V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 0d

24" (2/16/15): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.6'x0.3', very weak concentration. Second in a string with NGC 2583 2.7' SW and NGC 2585 4.3' NE. Also MCG -01-22-007 and -006 are nearly in a line 2.9' and 4.1' NW.

17.5" (1/12/02): very faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, low surface brightness. Second of three with NGC 2583 2.7' SW and NGC 2585 4.3' NE.

17.5" (4/6/91): extremely faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, very low surface brightness. Collinear with NGC 2583 2.5' SW and NGC 2585 5' NE.

Frank Muller discovered NGC 2584 = LM II-403 in 1886 and recorded "mag 14.0, 0.5' dia, R, 2nd of 4 [with NGC 2583, 2585, 2586]." There is nothing at his position, but 1.0 min of RA west is MCG -01-22-009 = PGC 23523. Kobold measured an accurate position at Strassburg in 1895. MCG doesn't label this galaxy NGC 2584.

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NGC 2585 = MCG -01-22-010 = PGC 23537

08 23 26.2 -04 54 56

V = 13.7; Size 1.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 85d

24" (2/16/15): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 0.7'x0.6', weak broad concentration with no distinct zones but surface appears mottled. In a group with NGC 2585 4.3' SW and NGC 2583 7.0' SW (on a line) as well as MCG -01-22-012 (identified as NGC 2586 in RNGC and PGC) 16' ENE.

In addition, a close pair, MCG -01-22-006 and -007, lies 5.3' and 6.4' WSW and has a similar redshift. MCG -01-006 is faint to fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NE, 20"x10". MCG -01-01-007 is extremely to very faint, very small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 12"x9", low even surface brightness.

17.5" (1/12/02): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, weak concentration, 0.9' diameter. Third of three on a SW-NE line with NGC 2584 and NGC 2583 to the SW. This is a challenging trio and I missed two nearby MCG galaxies.

17.5" (4/6/91): faint, small, round, very weak concentration. Third of three on a line with NGC 2584 5' SW and NGC 2583 7' SW. Viewed core only (the arms are very low surface brightness on the DSS).

Frank Muller discovered NGC 2585 = LM II-404 in 1886 and recorded "mag 14.0, 0.5' dia, R, 3rd of 4 [with NGC 2583, 2584, 2586]." There is nothing at his position, but 1.0 min of RA west (same offset as NGC 2583 and 2584) is MCG -01-22-010 = PGC 23537. Kobold measured an accurate position at Strassburg in 1895. MCG misidentifies MCG -01-22-012 as NGC 2585.

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NGC 2586 = PGC 3325912

08 23 31.4 -04 57 07

Size 18"/16"/11"

24" (2/16/15): at 322x; this faint triple star (components all ~mag 16V) appears as a very faint, very small glow, 0.3' diameter with a mag 16 star often resolving. It is easy to see how this object could be assumed to be a nebula (galaxy). At 450x, 2 or all 3 stars sparkle, but could hold them simultaneously.

The RNGC and PGC identifies MCG -01-22-012 as NGC 2585. At 322x, this galaxy appeared faint to fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 21"x15", low surface even surface brightness. Note: my description applies to the central region and I missed the very low surface brightness spiral arms.

Frank Muller discovered NGC 2586 = LM II-405, along with NGCs 2583, 2584 and 2585, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. He noted "mag 16.2, 0.8' dia, R, 4th of 4; neb?".

Near his published position is MCG -01-22-012, but Harold Corwin identifies NGC 2586 with a triple star at 08 23 31.4 -04 57 07 (2000). This triple is 1.0 min of RA west of Muller's position, agreeing with his offsets for NGC 2583, 2584 and 2585. RNGC and PGC are probably incorrect in identifying MCG -01-22-012 as NGC 2586, though this still seems a plausible identification as it is certainly bright enough to be picked up Muller.

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NGC 2587 = Cr 184 = ESO 431-SC007

08 23 24 -29 30 30

Size 9'

13.1" (3/24/84): 15 faint stars over haze in a 5' diameter extended N-S with mag 9 SAO 17537 at the SE edge. A mag 11.5 star is at the north edge but most members are mag 12-13.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2587 = h3124 on 22 Jan 1835 and described "a milky way cluster 7th class; irreg fig; pretty much compressed in middle. Stars 10...13m; one 9 m."

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NGC 2588 = ESO 370-SC010 = Cr 186 = OCL-715

08 23 10 -32 58 30

Size 2'

17.5" (3/25/95): small faint cluster consisting of 15 stars in a 2' diameter with a few additional out to 3' diameter. The stars are pretty uniform (mag 13/14) and most are arranged in a perfect "U" asterism open towards the south. Only a few stars are inside this "U".

John Herschel discovered NGC 2588 = h3125 on 16 Feb 1836 and recorded "a small F cluster of st 15m; 3' diam; R; gbM; not very rich. His position and description matches this faint cluster.

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NGC 2589

08 24 30 -08 46

=Not found, Corwin and Dreyer.

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2589 = Sw VI-32 on 13 Feb 1887 and logged "pF, pS, lE in meridian." There is nothing near his position except faint stars and Howe was not able to visually recover this object on 3 nights with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory around 1900. Harold Corwin was also unsuccessful searching for viable candidates - noting NGC 2574 as a possibility - so this number is lost.

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NGC 2590 = IC 507 = UGC 4392 = MCG +00-22-010 = CGCG 004-020 = PGC 23616

08 25 01.9 -00 35 31

V = 13.1; Size 2.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 77d

17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on WSW-ENE, weak concentration. A bright wide double star lies 15' NE (7.3/10 at 43"). Located 4.3' N of mag 9.6 SAO 135887.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2590 = St IX-15 on 26 Feb 1878. His position matches UGC 4392. This galaxy was independently discovered by Lewis Swift on 3 Feb 1888 and catalogued as Sw VIII-47 (later IC 507). Swift's position is 10' north of UGC 4392 (after a precession error by Dreyer is corrected) so Dreyer assumed it was new. Howe reported he was unable to find IC 507 on 3 nights because of the poor position but likely NGC 2590 = IC 507. See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 2591 = UGC 4472 = MCG +13-07-001 = CGCG 349-029 = CGCG 350-001 = PGC 24231

08 37 25.9 +78 01 34

V = 12.3; Size 3.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 32d

17.5" (2/1/92): faint, narrow edge-on 6:1 SW-NE, 2.4'x0.4', brighter middle, very thin faint extensions. A mag 14 star is just off the SW tip 1.4' from center.

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2591 on 12 Aug 1866 and noted "F, S, E, 45"-55" dia, lbM." His position from 2 observations (#80 in his discovery list in AN 1500) is an exact match with UGC 4472.

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NGC 2592 = UGC 4411 = MCG +04-20-055 = CGCG 119-102 = PGC 23701

08 27 08.1 +25 58 13

V = 12.3; Size 1.7'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 45d

17.5" (1/1/92): moderately bright, small, round, sharp concentration with an unusually bright core for a small galaxy, stellar nucleus, small fainter halo. A mag 15 star is 1.0' W. Forms a pair with NGC 2594 5' SSE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2592 = H II-315 = h505 on 11 Mar 1785 (sweep 384) and recorded "F, S, R, bM, cometic or having a seeming nucleus." JH logged "pB; R; vsbM to a *; 20"." and measured an accurate position. This galaxy was observed 14 times at Birr Castle and LdR (or assistants) thought it was a tight, unresolved cluster on several occasions!

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NGC 2593 = UGC 4408 = MCG +03-22-012 = CGCG 089-029 = PGC 23692

08 26 47.8 +17 22 29

V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 172d

17.5" (1/1/92): faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.8'x0.4', weak concentration. Located in the same field with NGC 2596 11' SE.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2593 on 26 Jan 1865 and noted "eF, vS." His position matches UGC 4408.

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NGC 2594 = MCG +04-20-056 = CGCG 119-106 = PGC 23704

08 27 17.3 +25 52 43

V = 13.8; Size 0.8'x0.7'

17.5" (1/1/92): faint, very small, round, very small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is just 0.6' S of center. Forms a pair with NGC 2592 5' NNW.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2594 on 29 Mar 1865 and simply noted "eF". His position matches CGCG 119-106.

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NGC 2595 = UGC 4422 = MCG +04-20-062 = CGCG 119-109 = III Zw 59 = PGC 23725

08 27 42.0 +21 28 44

V = 12.3; Size 3.2'x2.4'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 45d

17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, moderately large, irregularly round. Unusual appearance with a very compact bright core displaced towards the NE end. Also a mag 14 star is superimposed close northeast of the core. The halo appears more extensive to the southwest. Located 2.2' NE of double star h448 = 8.9/10.7 at 31". Outlying member of Cancer I galaxy cluster.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2595 = H III-599 = h506 on 11 Jan 1787 (sweep 683) and noted "eF, pL, resolvable." He made this observation after he viewed Uranus and discovered the moons Titania and Oberon! JH called the galaxy "vF; irreg fig; has a coarse double star 30° s p, 2' dist [HJ 448]." Five observations were made at Birr Castle as well as a sketch and the note from 14 Feb 1857 "Query: some vF neby reaches to np side" probably refers to the northern spiral arm.

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NGC 2596 = UGC 4419 = MCG +03-22-013 = CGCG 089-030 = PGC 23714

08 27 26.5 +17 17 02

V = 13.5; Size 1.5'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 65d

17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, weak concentration. A small group of five stars lies about 2' E including a close unequal double star (11.5/13.5 at 9" in PA 90°). NGC 2593 lies 11' SE.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2596 = m 121 on 26 Jan 1865 with Lassell's 48" and noted "vF, S, lE." His position is 9 sec of RA east of UGC 4419.

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NGC 2597 = NGC 2598:

08 29 57.4 +21 30 07

=1 or 2 *'s?, Gottlieb. =2*, Corwin. =NF, Carlson. =NGC 2598, UGC.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2597 = m 122 on 1 Jan 1864, along with NGC 2598 = m 123. He listed very similar coordinates for the two objects (NGC 2597 is 5 sec of RA west = 1.2 arcmin). But there is only a single galaxy here, which UGC labels NGC 2598 = NGC 2597. It's possible that Marth thought this galaxy was double but it is elongated north-south, not east-west as his position would indicate. More likely NGC 2597 refers to one or two very faint stars about 1' northwest of UGC 4443. Also see Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 2598 = UGC 4443 = MCG +04-20-065 = CGCG 119-116 = PGC 23855

08 30 02.6 +21 29 18

V = 13.6; Size 1.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 3d

17.5" (1/1/92): faint, small, round, broad concentration. Located just west of the vertex of a "V" asterism consisting of five mag 11-12 stars; the asterism appears to point towards this galaxy with the vertex being a mag 12 star 1.7' E. Outlying member of Cancer I galaxy cluster.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2598 = m 123 on 1 Jan 1864, along with NGC 2597 = m 122. His position matches UGC 4443. NGC 2597, placed only 5 sec of RA preceding, may refer to 1 or 2 very faint stars.

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NGC 2599 = UGC 4458 = MCG +04-20-067 = CGCG 119-122 = Mrk 389 = PGC 23941

08 32 11.3 +22 33 37

V = 12.2; Size 1.9'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.3

17.5" (3/28/92): fairly faint, small, round, small high surface brightness core, stellar nucleus embedded, only a small halo visible.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2599 = H III-234 = h507 on 16 Nov 1784 (sweep 318) and noted "vF, stellar." His position (Caroline Herschel's reduction) is 8 sec of RA west and 3.5' N of UGC 4458 (similar offset as NGC 2577, the previous discovery in the sweep). JH measured an accurate position.

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NGC 2600 = UGC 4475 = MCG +09-14-068 = CGCG 263-055 = PGC 24082

08 34 45.1 +52 42 57

V = 14.2; Size 1.2'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 78d

18" (3/13/10): first in a group of 5 NGC galaxies. At 280x appeared very faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 30"x15", low even surface brightness. Located 2' ENE of a 50" pair of mag 12 stars. First in a group with NGC 2602, NGC 2603, NGC 2605, NNGC 2606 and second brightest (next to NGC 2606, which is located 8.6' NE).

17.5" (3/25/95): faint, small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 25"x15". Brightens slightly to a near stellar nucleus. Forms the vertex of a thin isosceles triangle with two mag 12 stars 2' SW. Also forms an equilateral triangle with two mag 14 stars closer to the north. Located 8.6' WSW of NGC 2606. In a trio with NGC 2602 7.5' NE.

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 2600 = Big. 37 on 7 Mar 1886. His position is 6 sec of RA west of UGC 4475 in a faint galaxy group. It's possible that this galaxy was discovered earlier by Lord Rosse's assistant George Stoney on 9 Feb 1850 as he noted three galaxies in the field, with one "bright". See NGC 2602 for identification problems in this group.

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NGC 2601 = ESO 060-005 = PGC 23637

08 25 30.6 -68 07 03

V = 12.5; Size 1.6'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 120d

25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x; moderately bright and large, oval 3:2 ~WNW-ESE, ~1.2'x0.8', small brighter core. A mag 13 star is at the east edge, 44" from center. Situated in a very starry region including a mag 11-11.5 stars 4' SE, 3' E and 2' NE, along with a mag 12 star 1.4' NW and other fainter stars.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2601 = h3126 on 4 Mar 1835 and noted "F; R; gbM; 30"." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2602 = MCG +09-14-069 = CGCG 263-056 = PGC 24099

08 35 04.2 +52 49 54

V = 14.7; Size 0.4'x0.2'; Surf Br = 11.8; PA = 27d

18" (3/13/10): extremely faint, very small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 20"x14", low even surface brightness. Located 2.5' WSW of a mag 10.7 star and 5.2' NW of NGC 2606 in a group of faint NGC galaxies.

17.5" (3/12/94): extremely faint and small, 15" diameter, possibly elongated. Located 2.6' WSW of a mag 10.5 star. Forms a pair with brighter NGC 2606 5.2' SE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2602 = h508 on 16 Feb 1831. His mean position from two observations is 08 35 01.4 +52 50 10 (2000), an excellent match with CGCG 263-056. His description from sweep 328 reads "eF; S; R; north-preceding a star (about 5° n p). The preceding neb of 2 [with NGC 2606]. A mag 10.8 star 2.5' ENE is probably the intended star, so the description should read "south-preceding a star". MCG and PGC correctly identify NGC 2602.

The field was observed three times at Birr Castle. On the first observation (9 Feb 1850), the three brightest galaxies -- NGC 2600, 2602 and 2606 -- were likely observed. On a second observation by R.J. Mitchell on 11 Mar 1858, 4 nebulae were described and sketched. Harold Corwin suggests the following identifications: "4 neb. found, alpha [NGC 2603] is F, S, bM; beta [NGC 2605] is vvF, gamma [NGC 2602] F, S, lbM; delta [NGC 2606] is E and has a Nucl, a F * sf. alpha and gamma are about 5 arcmin dist. from one another, and beta and delta about the same dist. apart."

In compiling the GC, it appears that JH assumed alpha was h508 = NGC 2602, the preceding nebula in the sketch. So, he misplaced the two LdR novae -- NGC 2603 and NGC 2605 -- following, instead of preceding NGC 2602. In addition, on the third observation (5 Mar 1867), Sir Robert Ball noted "2 neb seen nearly p f, p one eeF, f one [NGC 2606] eF. Measures extremely difficult. Pos 92°, Dist 118°." The preceding nebula is PGC 2423840, but it didn't receive a NGC designation. See Harold Corwin's identification notes under NGC 2600.

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NGC 2603 = 2MASX J08343121+5250247 = PGC 3133653

08 34 31.2 +52 50 25

V = 16.2; Size 0.3'x0.3'

24" (3/13/10): at 320x appeared extremely faint and small, round, 6" diameter. Required averted vision to momentarily view, but reaquired several times to confirm. Located 5.0' W of NGC 2602 and 10' WNW of NGC 2606. Faintest of 5 galaxies in a group with brightest member NGC 2606. At B = 16.9, this is one of the faintest, if not the faint NGC galaxy.

18" (3/13/10): not found at 275x.

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2603 on 11 Mar 1858 (along with NGC 2605) using Lord Rosse's 72". Although he made a sketch of 4 galaxies (out of 6 total in the group), the identifications have been confused (seen notes for NGC 2602). NGC 2602 (discovered by JH) is labeled Gamma and NGC 2606 is labeled Delta. Of the two remaining galaxies, the logical assignment is NGC 2603 = Alpha = PGC 3133653 and NGC 2605 = Beta = PGC 2424112. Alpha was noted as "F, S, bM." JH assumed Alpha = NGC 2602 when compiling the GC, so he placed NGC 2603, as well as NGC 2605, following NGC 2602 instead of preceding.

RNGC misidentifies LEDA 2423840, the faintest galaxy in the group, as NGC 2603. LEDA 2423840 was noted on Sir Robert Ball's observation on 5 March 1867 (preceding NGC 2606 by 118" in PA 90°), but it didn't receive a NGC designation as Dreyer was not sure which two nebulae were described in this observation. The MCG entry for NGC 2603 (MCG +09-14-072) probably applies to much brighter NGC 2606 as there are no other nearby MCG entries. At ~785 million light years (z = 0.057), this is certainly one of the most distant galaxies in the NGC.

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NGC 2604 = UGC 4469 = MCG +05-20-022 = CGCG 149-048 = Holm 96a = PGC 23998

08 33 22.9 +29 32 17

V = 12.3; Size 2.1'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.8

24" (4/28/14): fairly faint, fairly large, round, 1.6' diameter, broad weak concentration but there was no core or zones. The halo gradually fades out. A pair of faint mag 15.5 stars at ~20" separation lies 1.3' NW (outside the halo). A bright 30" pair of mag 10.3/10.8 stars lies 5' SSE. Forms a pair (probably interacting) with CGCG 149-049 = NGC 2604B 3.6' SE. The companion appeared extremely faint, very small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 20"x10" and required averted vision at 260x.

17.5" (3/28/92): faint, moderately large, 2.0' diameter, low even surface brightness, slightly elongated but irregular or ill-defined outline. A mag 14 star is 1' off the south edge and 1.8' from center. A very faint close mag 15/15.5 double is at or just off the WNW edge. Almost collinear with a double star 5' SSE with components mag 10/10.5 at 32".

William Herschel discovered NGC 2604 = H III-292 = h509 on 12 Mar 1785 (sweep 385) and recorded "vF, pL, R, lbM, resolvable. 2 or 3 pB stars about it." His position is ~10 sec of RA too far east and 2' too far south. JH called it "eF; doubtful obs, as at first the neb was hardly seen. Verified, but too late for a good RA. In field with a double star which points rather s of it." The 10 Dec 1866 observation by Robert Ball with LdR's 72" reads "eF, vL, center not uniformly bright, but the luminous portion lE and curved, convex preceding (this was little more than a suspicion); vF double star close north."

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NGC 2605 = 2MASXJ08345328+5248157 = PGC 2424112

08 34 53.4 +52 48 15

Size 0.3'x0.3'; PA = 25d

24" (3/13/10): at 320x appeared very faint, very small, round, 12" diameter. Located 2.4' SW of NGC 2602 and 4th brightest of 5 galaxies. NGC 2606, the brightest member, lies 6.3' E.

18" (3/13/10): not found at 275x.

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2605 on 11 Mar 1858 (along with NGC 2603) using Lord Rosse's 72". It is labeled on the sketch as Beta (PGC 2424112) and simply noted as vvF. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent and the galaxy is not catalogued in either CGCG or MCG. See identification notes for NGC 2602 and 2603.

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NGC 2606 = MCG +09-14-072 = CGCG 263-059 = PGC 24117

08 35 34.7 +52 47 20

V = 14.3; Size 0.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 39d

18" (3/13/10): faint or fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE , 35"x25". Located 4' SE of a mag 10.8 star. NGC 2602, a much fainter galaxy, lies 5.3' NW and NGC 2600 lies 9' SW. A very faint galaxy (2MASX J08352151+5247337) which lies 2' W was not seen.

17.5" (3/12/94): faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W, very small brighter core with a low surface brightness halo. Located 3.9' SE of a mag 10.5 star. A small group of stars forming a square with a fifth star near the center lies about 6' NNE. Forms a pair with NGC 2602 5.2' NW. This galaxy is identified as NGC 2603 in the MCG and DSFG to the Uranometria.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2606 = h510 on 16 Feb 1831 and recorded "vF; S; R; 12." The following and brighter of 2." His mean position (two sweeps) matches CGCG 263-059. This galaxy was labeled Delta on the field sketch made by R.J. Mitchell with the 72" on 11 Mar 1858. MCG mislabels MCG +09-14-072 as NGC 2603, instead of NGC 2606 and PGC labels this galaxy as NGC 2603 = NGC 2606. PGC 2423840, located 2' west, was observed by Sir Robert Ball at Birr Castle on 5 Mar 1867, but did not receive a NGC designation.

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NGC 2607 = UGC 4473 = MCG +05-20-025 = CGCG 149-051 = PGC 24038

08 33 56.6 +26 58 21

V = 13.6; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2

17.5" (3/20/93): very faint, very small, round, very small brighter core. A mag 14 star is close off the west edge 1.1' from center.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2607 = h511 on 24 Dec 1827 and simply wrote "eF; a doubt remained; windy." His position matches UGC 4473, despite the uncertainty in the observation and the measured North Polar Distance.

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NGC 2608 = Arp 12 = UGC 4484 = MCG +05-20-027 = CGCG 149-055 = PGC 24111

08 35 17.2 +28 28 23

V = 12.3; Size 2.3'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 60d

17.5" (5/19/01): Supernova 2001 bg (discovered on May 8, 2001) visible as a mag 14 star at the southeast edge of the galaxy [22" E and 19" S of center].

13" (1/18/85): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, small bright core. Two mag 11 and 12.5 stars are 5' S with separation 1.3'. NGC 2619 lies 33' ENE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2608 = H II-318 = h512 on 12 Mar 1785 (sweep 385) and noted "F, pL, lE, mbM, r." His position is ~14 sec of RA west of UGC 4484. JH measured an accurate position (mean of two sweeps).

The galaxy was observed 8 times at Birr Castle and spiral structure was highly suspected several times. On 14 Feb 1857, the observing assistant noted "..twist [spiral arms] in the nebulosity p and f the nucleus, most apparent preceding." and the 1 Feb 1856 observation reads "E nearly p f, the p half is much the brighter and I think has curve in it [in a sketch there appears a dark space p the Nucl].

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NGC 2609 = ESO 124-SC17

08 29 30 -61 06 36

14" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 142x): fairly faint and sparcely populated cluster of 12-15 stars in a 6' circle. Most of the stars are arranged in a 5'x2' region elongated N-S. Contains a nice double HJ 4108 = 9.6/10.6 at 20" with a wider and fainter pair (10.9/11.6 at 26") about 2' SE. A mag 9.0 star (HD 72287) lies ~6' W and additional mag 10 stars lie with 10' to the NNW and SSW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2609 = h3130 on 8 Mar 1836 and observed on 2 sweeps. His discovery description reads "A double star, chief of a cluster 8th class of scattered stars, 6' diam; not very rich or compression. His position matches a bright double star (HD 72425) at the center of the group. RNGC classifies the group as nonexistent (Type 7) although it shows up well on DSS (several mag 12 stars). See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 2610 = PK 239+13.1 = PN G239.6+13.9

08 33 23.4 -16 08 57

V = 13.0; Size 50"x47"

17.5" (3/25/00): at 280x using a UHC filter appears moderately bright, ~45"x40", elongated SSW-NNE. A mag 12 star is embedded on the NE edge of the rim. The planetary appears to taper near the star although this may be a contrast effect. The rim is sharp-edged and the surface brightness pretty smooth. Located 3.5' SW of a mag 6.5 star.

13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright PN, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, about 40" diameter. No annularity or central star seen. A mag 13 star is at the NE edge. Located 3.5' SW of mag 6.6 SAO 154395.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2610 = H IV-35 = h513 = 3127 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and recorded "a small star with an electrical brush sp; F; S. About 1 1/2' after follows a star of the 8th magnitude. It resembles fig 7, Phil. Trans. Vol LXXIV.Tab.17. [Plate VII]". Herschel commented in his 1814 PT paper that "a small star has a small, faint, fan-shaped nebulosity joining to it on the north preceding side." He used this example to (incorrectly) demonstrate the union or mutual attraction between the objects. His position (CH's reduction) is accurate. The 1 Feb 1851 observation by Lord Rosse reads "Dark space foll star, bet neb and star stronlgly suspected like the "snow-drop nebula" [NGC 2261]. Lord Rosse suspected a star in it also."

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported "the ring is slightly irregular, hazy and without structural detail; is 38"x31" in pa 75°. Relatively vacant around the central. The matter in the ring is rather faint."

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NGC 2611 = CGCG 119-127 = PGC 24121

08 35 29.2 +25 01 39

V = 14.3; Size 0.75'x0.25'; PA = 50d

17.5" (3/25/95): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. Located 0.9' NW of a mag 14 star. A nice wide pair of mag 10 stars (35" separation) lies 10' WNW.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2611 = m 124 on 29 Mar 1865 and noted "vF, S, pmE, gbM." His position matches CGCG 119-127.

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NGC 2612 = MCG -02-22-020 = PGC 24028

08 33 50.1 -13 10 29

V = 12.7; Size 2.7'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 115d

17.5" (2/1/92): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, small bright core, almost stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is 30" N of center and a mag 12 star is 1.2' S. Appears to have a sharper light cutoff on the north side.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2612 = h3128 on 14 Feb 1836 and recorded "B, S, psbM, E, between two stars." His position and description matches MCG -02-22-020 = PGC 24028. Engelhardt measured a precise micrometric position. Herbert Howe, observing with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver, noted "not bright but faint".

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NGC 2613 = ESO 495-018 = MCG -04-21-003 = UGCA 141 = PGC 23997

08 33 22.6 -22 58 21

V = 10.3; Size 7.2'x1.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 113d

13.1" (3/24/84): fairly bright, fairly large, very pretty edge-on 4:1 WNW-ESE, 4.0'x1.0', broadly concentrated. Several stars are nearby as the galaxy is located in a rich star field including a mag 12 star 1.5' N, a mag 13 star 2.0' S of center and another mag 12 star at the west edge of the halo. This is the brightest galaxy in Pyxis.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2613 = H II-266 = h3129 on 20 Nov 1784 (sweep 326) and logged "F, E, bM, r, pS that is about 1.5' diameter." On 20 Nov 1784 (sweep 663) he noted "cB, cL, irr F, E nearly in the parallel." JH made 3 observations from the Cape of Good Hope, describing it on one sweep as "B, L, vmE in position 110.3°, pslbM, 3' long, 20" broad."

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NGC 2614 = UGC 4523 = MCG +12-09-005 = CGCG 331-058 = CGCG 332-005 = PGC 24473

08 42 48.2 +72 58 35

V = 12.9; Size 2.5'x2.0'; Surf Br = 14.5; PA = 150d

17.5" (2/1/92): very faint, fairly large, 2.5' diameter, round, very low surface brightness, very weak concentration but no core. Better view at 140x than 220x due to low surface brightness. A mag 14.5 star is at the west edge. First in a group of four including NGC 2629 20' E.

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2614 on 1 Dec 1863 while recording NGC 2629. His single position matches UGC 4523.

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NGC 2615 = UGC 4481 = MCG +00-22-019 = CGCG 004-059 = PGC 24071

08 34 33.2 -02 32 48

V = 12.5; Size 1.9'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 40d

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 SW-NE, small bright core, faint halo. A mag 12.5 lies 1.8' SSW of center.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2615 = St XIII-39 on 6 Feb 1885 and recorded "F; oval; 1' diam; lbM; seems resolvable; faint star involved." His position and description matches UGC 4481.

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NGC 2616 = UGC 4489 = MCG +00-22-021 = CGCG 004-069 = WBL 188-004 = PGC 24129

08 35 34.0 -01 51 00

V = 12.5; Size 1.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 145d

24" (2/5/13): at 375x appeared fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, fairly high surface brightness. A larger halo of extremely low surface brightness was not noticed. A mag 15 star is superimposed just north of center and a mag 13.5 star is off the NE side, 50" from center.

Brightest of 8 in a group (WBL 188) with IC 515 3.1' SSW, IC 516 4.4' ESE and CGCG 004-072 6.5' SE. The four galaxies, with NGC 2616 at the NE vertex, form a near parallelogram. In addition, CGCG 004-071 lies 6' NNE, IC 514 12' SSW, CGCG 004-065 14.5' SSW and IC 517 17' SE.

17.5" (4/6/91): faint, very small, round. A mag 13.5 star is 0.8' NE of center.

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2616 = Sw III-39 on 9 Mar 1886 and noted "vF; S; R; * nr north-following; a more distant * in line with both." His position is 6 sec of RA east of UGC 4489 and the description applies.

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NGC 2617 = MCG -01-22-026 = PGC 24141

08 35 38.7 -04 05 16

V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9

17.5" (4/6/91): very faint, small, round, low even surface brightness. Unusual appearance as a mag 14 star is involved on the north edge 22" from center and a second mag 14 star is 30" S of center. Forms a pair with MCG -01-22-027 2.4' E.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2617 = St XIII-40 on 12 Feb 1885 with the 31" reflector at the Marseilles Observatory. His position is a perfect match with MCG -01-22-026. MCG and RC3 misidentify MCG -01-22-027, a fainter galaxy just 2.4' east, as NGC 2617. The RNGC position and magnitude also refers to MCG -01-22-027, though the RNGC new description "companion 1' foll" refers to MCG -01-22-026. Roger Sinnott's NGC 2000.0 has the wrong magnitude and size (based on the RNGC position and mag) and the first edition of the Uranometria Deep Sky Field Guide also misidentifies MCG -01-22-027 as NGC 2617 (corrected in the second edition). See Harold Corwin's notes.

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NGC 2618 = UGC 4492 = MCG +00-22-023 = CGCG 004-074 = PGC 24156

08 35 53.5 +00 42 26

V = 12.1; Size 2.4'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 140d

17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, weak concentration. Located along the south side of a trapezoid of mag 13-14 stars; closest is a mag 13 star 1' E.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2618 = H III-257 = h515 on 20 Dec 1784 (sweep 346) and noted "eF, pL, iF, requires long attention; the night remarkably fine."

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NGC 2619 = UGC 4503 = MCG +05-21-002 = CGCG 150-008 = PGC 24235

08 37 32.7 +28 42 18

V = 12.4; Size 2.3'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 35d

24" (2/16/15): moderately bright and large, oval ~3:2 SW-NE. Sharply concentrated with a bright, elongated oval core 0.5'x0.3', embedded in a low surface brightness halo ~1.2'x0.7'.

PGC 24340, the brightest cD galaxy in AGC 690, lies 24' NE. At 225x it appeared very faint, very small, round, 10" diameter, low even surface brightness. Once identified, I could just hold it continuously with averted and concentration. With a redshift of z = .079, this galaxy has a light-travel time of 1.05 billion years!

13.1" (1/18/85): faint version of NGC 2608, slightly elongated SW-NE, weak concentration, fairly even surface brightness.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2619 = H II-319 = h514 on 12 Mar 1785 (sweep 385) and noted "F, S, bM, r." JH made 3 observations and 26 were made at Birr Castle with the 72"!

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NGC 2620 = UGC 4501 = MCG +04-21-001 = CGCG 120-006 = PGC 24233

08 37 28.3 +24 56 48

V = 13.4; Size 2.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 93d

17.5" (1/1/92): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W, low even surface brightness. A mag 15 star is 30" N of center. Forms a close pair with NGC 2621 4.0' NE. NGC 2622 lies 10' ESE.

William Lassell discovered NGC 2620 = m 124 on 5 May 1863 with his 48" on Malta (about a month before Marth started his systematic search). It was included in the 1867 Malta catalogue. Lassell's position matches UGC 4501.

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NGC 2621 = MCG +04-21-003 = CGCG 120-007 = PGC 24241

08 37 36.9 +24 59 59

V = 14.5; Size 0.9'x0.8'

17.5" (1/1/92): extremely faint and small, round. A mag 13.5 star is 1.4' E and a faint mag 15 star is 1.7' WNW. Forms a pair with NGC 2620 4.0' SW. Verified on the POSS.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2621 = m 126 on 29 Mar 1865 (along with nearby NGC 2622) with Lassell's 48" and noted "vF, S, R." His position is 1' south of CGCG 120-007.

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NGC 2622 = MCG +04-21-008 = CGCG 120-013 = Mrk 1218 = PGC 24269

08 38 11.0 +24 53 43

V = 14.0; Size 0.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 45d

24" (4/28/14): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 or 5:3 SW-NE, 30"x18", contains a very small brighter nucleus. Brightest in a small triplet and interacting with CGCG 120-011 ("faint, small, slightly elongated, 14"x12", low even surface brightness") just 1.1' SW. PGC 1719307, just 1.4' WSW (V = 15.9) appeared "very faint, very small, round, 10" diameter."

17.5" (1/1/92): faint, fairly small, small bright core, very faint halo slightly elongated SW-NE. Third of three with NGC 2620 10' WNW.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2622 = m 127 on 29 Mar 1865 (along with nearby NGC 2621) with Lassell's 48" and noted "F, S, R." His position matches CGCG 120-013.

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NGC 2623 = Arp 243 = VV 79 = UGC 4509 = MCG +04-21-009 = CGCG 120-015 = PGC 24288

08 38 24.1 +25 45 15

V = 13.4; Size 2.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 60d

13.1" (1/11/86): faint, small, slightly elongated, weak concentration.

This system is a late-stage galactic merger and contains two relatively prominent tidal tails (not seen).

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2623 = St XIII-41 on 19 Jan 1885. His position matches UGC 4509 = Arp 243.

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NGC 2624 = UGC 4506 = MCG +03-22-019 = CGCG 089-055 = PGC 24264

08 38 09.6 +19 43 32

V = 13.6; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5

18" (1/13/07): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration. A mag 15.5 star is close southwest. Brighter of a pair with NGC 2625 just 3.2' ESE. Located on the northwest side of the Beehive cluster.

17.5" (12/19/87): faint, very small, round, bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 2625 3.3' ESE. Located 7.6' E of mag 8.3 SAO 97973 on the NW edge of M44 = Beehive cluster.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2624 = m 128 on 30 Oct 1864 (along with nearby NGC 2625) with Lassell's 48" and noted "eF." His position matches UGC 4506.

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NGC 2625 = CGCG 089-057 = Mrk 625 = PGC 24285

08 38 23.1 +19 42 59

V = 15.0; Size 0.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9

18" (1/13/07): faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. Smaller and fainter of a pair with NGC 2624 3.2' WNW, though the difference in brightness appears less than the 1.4 magnitudes listed in catalogues. At the west edge of the Beehive cluster. CGCG 89-56 lies 7.3' S.

17.5" (12/19/87): faint, extremely small, round. Appears similar to NGC 2624 3.3' WNW but slightly smaller and fainter. Located at the west edge of M44 = Beehive cluster.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2625 = m 129 on 30 Oct 1864 (along with nearby NGC 2624) with Lassell's 48" and noted "eF, vS." His position matches CGCG 089-057.

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NGC 2626 = ESO 313-N*004 = Ced 106h

08 35 31 -40 40 18

Size 5'

17.5" (3/23/85): faint, small, diffuse circular reflection nebula surrounding a mag 10 central star. The surrouding, low surface brightness emission nebulosity was not seen, observing at a very low elevation.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2626 = h3131 on 2 Jan 1835 and recorded "A star 9th mag involved in nebulosity, 3' diameter. In the milky way with multitudes of equal stars all round the neighbourhood, none of which are so affected. Sky quite pure, not the slightest nebulous haze. No doubt. The nebula loses itself imperceptibly, the star being (though excentric) yet in the most condensed part." His sketch was published on Plate VI, figure 12.

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NGC 2627 = ESO 431-SC20 = Cr 188 = Mel 87

08 37 15 -29 57 00

Size 11'

13.1" (1/18/85): about 45 stars mag 11-14 in a 10' region elongated E-W. This is a rich and pretty cluster set over an unresolved background haze. Located 40' SW of a mag 5 star. Visible in a 16x80 finder.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2627 = H VII-63 = h516 = h3132 on 3 Mar 1793 (sweep 1032) and described "a large cluster of scattered small stars, irr F, considerably rich." JH observed the cluster at both Slough and at the Cape of Good Hope, where he recorded "a fine, L, rich, pretty much compressed cluster; irregularly E, 10' l, 7' br; stars 12 and 13th mag nearly equal." Both Herschels' positions are near the central part of this cluster.

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NGC 2628 = UGC 4519 = MCG +04-21-012 = CGCG 120-020 = PGC 24381

08 40 22.7 +23 32 22

V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.4

17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 1.0' diameter, weak concentration. A mag 13.5 star is 30" off the north edge and 1.2' N of center.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2628 = H III-235 on 16 Nov 1784 (sweep 318) and recorded "eF, S, verified with 240 power." His position is ~15 sec of RA west and 1' north of UGC 4519, but the identification is certain as there are no other nearby candidates. There were no further observations by JH or d'Arrest and it was not found with the 72" at Birr Castle on 28 Jan 1867 for some reason.

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NGC 2629 = UGC 4569 = MCG +12-09-010 = CGCG 331-062 = CGCG 332-009 = PGC 24682

08 47 15.8 +72 59 08

V = 12.3; Size 1.8'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 105d

17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus, fairly high surface brightness. A mag 12 star is 40" SSE. Brightest of three with NGC 2641 6.3' SSE and (R)NGC 2630 = UGC 4547 7' WNW. NGC 2614 lies 20' W.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2629 = H III-982, along with NGC 2641, on 30 Sep 1802 on his last sweep 1112. He recorded "Two [NGC 2629 & NGC 2641], the place is that of the last [NGC 2641]. That of which the place is taken [NGC 2641] is vF, S. The other [NGC 2629] precedes it RA = 42 seconds and is 6' more north. The preceding one stellar. It is within 1' of a small star which follows it, and which is free from the burs which affect the stellar."

This nebula was not included in WH's third catalogue as it was discovered after his 500 discovery threshold was reached on 26 Sept 1802. It was added as one of the 8 "HON" objects ("William Herschel omitted nebulae") by JH in the Appendix to his Cape Observations and then included in the GC as III 982. Caroline Herschel's reduced position (for 1800) is 5' due south of UGC 4569, though the NGC position from d'Arrest is accurate. This galaxy is misidentified as NGC 2630-31 in MCG (+12-09-010). See identification notes for NGC 2630 and NGC 2631.

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NGC 2630

08 47 06 +73 00

=Not found, Corwin.

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2630 and 2631 in July 1883 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory near Florence. In his discovery paper IX (AN #2660), Tempel refers to "two new fine nebula very close to NGC 2629" (after the main table) and mentions that "my two new nebulae are much brighter than those found by D’Arrest [NGC 2614] and William Herschel [NGC 2629/2641]." Dreyer was only able to provide an approximate position near NGC 2629 when compiling the NGC, but no pair of bright nebulae exists near NGC 2629 that might be Tempel's objects. Nevertheless, a confusing array of identifications have been made by various galaxy catalogues.

RNGC selects UGC 4547 as NGC 2630 and classifies NGC 2631 as nonexistent (Type 7). UGC 4547 is a thin edge-on situated 7' WNW of NGC 2629 (see observation). I feel this identification is unlikely due to its extreme faintness and Malcolm Thomson concurs. UGC 4547 is not identified as NGC 2630 in the UGC or CGCG (331-061) and is misidentified as NGC 2629 in the MCG and as NGC 2630 = NGC 2631 in the PGC errata paper. In addition, MCG misidentifies NGC 2629 = MCG +12-09-010 as NGC 2630 = NGC 2631.

I discussed the identifications in several letters with Harold Corwin. He suggests that Tempel may have confused NGC 2633 for NGC 2629 and that NGC 2630 and 2631 might be identical to NGC 2634 and NGC 2634A, about 9' SSE of NGC 2633. But NGC 2634A is a very faint edge-on and I doubt Tempel would refer to this galaxy as a "fine nebula". So, this pair of numbers is currently lost. See Corwin's notes for further discussion.

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NGC 2631

08 47 06 +73 00

=Not found, Gottlieb.

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2630 and 2631 in Jul 1883 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory near Florence. See the story of their identifications under NGC 2630.

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NGC 2632 = M44 = Beehive Cluster = Praesepe

08 40 22 +19 40 12

V = 3.1; Size 95'

16x80:extremely large, 1.5° diameter, very bright, brightest stars are mag 6-6.5, includes many double stars, well resolved. Too large for decent view in 13" or 17.5". Bright naked-eye cluster.

The first written mention of M44 = Beehive cluster = NGC 2632 = h517 is by Aratos of Soli (~260 BC) in his work Phainomeina (called a "little mist") and it was probably noted 100 years earlier by Eudoxis. It was later recorded by Hipparchus around 130 BC as a "little cloud". Galileo made the first known telescopic observation that clearly identified M44 as a star cluster. His observation of 1610 in Siderius Nuncius ("Starry Messenger") reads "The nebula called Praesepe, which is not one star only, but a mass of more than 40 small stars, I have noticed 36 stars besides the Aselli."

The earliest found reference to the nickname "Beehive" is from Admiral Smyth's Bedford Catalogue of 1844: "The Praesepe, metaphorically rendered Bee-hive, is an aggregation of small stars which has long borne the name of a nebula, its components not being separately distinguishable by the naked eye..."

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NGC 2633 = Arp 80 = VV 519 = UGC 4574 = MCG +12-09-013 = CGCG 331-063 = CGCG 332-010 = CGCG 350-005 = PGC 24723

08 48 04.6 +74 05 55

V = 12.2; Size 2.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 175d

13.1" (1/11/86): fairly faint, small bright core with faint extensions slightly elongated N-S. Forms a pair with NGC 2634 8.2' S.

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2633 = T VI-5 = T IX-6 on 11 Aug 1882, along with NGC 2634. His position (corrected in list IX) matches UGC 4574 = Arp 80 = PGC 24723.

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NGC 2634 = UGC 4581 = MCG +12-09-015 = CGCG 331-066 = CGCG 332-013 = PGC 24749

08 48 24.9 +73 58 01

V = 12.0; Size 1.7'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.1

17.5" (3/20/93): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, prominent small bright core, bright stellar nucleus. Forms a close pair with NGC 2634A 2' SSE. The companion is faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE. NGC 2633 is in the field 8.2' N. NGC 2636 lies 18' S.

13" (1/11/86): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core, slightly fainter and smaller than NGC 2633 8' N.

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2634 = T VI-4 = T IX-7 on 11 Aug 1882, along with NGC 2633 = T VI-5. His position (corrected in list IX) is an excellent match with UGC 4581= PGC 24749. Harold Corwin suggests NGC 2630 (listed as "not found") might be a duplicate observation.

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NGC 2635 = ESO 371-SC1 = Cr 190 = Mel 89

08 38 26 -34 46 18

V = 11.2; Size 3'

13.1" (2/25/84): small, very mottled cluster at 166x but only a few stars are resolved on the west side. Located 38' NW of Beta Pyxis (V = 4.0).

John Herschel discovered NGC 2635 = h3133 on 2 Feb 1835 and recorded "a pretty compressed cluster of st; irregular triangular fig; much more compressed than milky way around it; stars 13 mag." His position is north of the most richest section of the cluster.

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NGC 2636 = UGC 4583 = CGCG 331-067 = CGCG 332-014 = PGC 24747

08 48 24.5 +73 40 16

V = 13.8; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8

17.5" (3/20/93): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core, well-defined halo. Located 5' W of a pair of mag 10/11 with a separation 1.2'. Also located 12' SW of mag 7.7 SAO 6661. The NGC 2634/NGC 2634A pair lies 17' N, NGC 2646 15' SE and IC 2389 8' SSW.

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2636 = T IX-8 on 27 Jul 1883, along with NGC 2646, with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory near Florence. His description reads "small, followed by two stars 11-12m close to the same parallel." Tempel's position is 1 degree north of UGC 4583 = PGC 24747 and the two stars are ~5' following. This misprint was corrected by Dreyer in the NGC notes section.

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NGC 2637 = CGCG 089-065 = PGC 24409

08 41 13.5 +19 41 28

V = 15.4; Size 0.5'x0.4'; PA = 51d

18" (1/13/07): extremely faint, small, round, 24" diameter, very low surface brightness and only visible with averted vision. Located 7' E of mag 6.8 42 Cancri within the Beehive cluster. Also mag 6.8 HD 73819 is in the field to the south.

17.5" (2/8/97): extremely faint and small, round. Appears as 10" nebulous star which required averted vision to glimpse at moments. Appears fainter than 15.4z. Located 7' ESE of mag 6.7 SAO 98030 within M44. The identification of NGC 2637 with CGCG 089-065 is not certain due to a poor position by Marth.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2637 = m 130 on 30 Oct 1864 (along with NGC 2643 = m 131) and simply noted "eeF, vS." There is nothing at his position except brighter stars, but 8' N and 6 sec of RA west is CGCG 089-065 = PGC 24409, which is identified as NGC 2637 in RNGC, but not CGCG. Although Marth's declination is poor, this is a similar declination offset as nearby NGC 2643, probably discovered at the same time, so this identification is reasonably secure. See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 2638 = UGC 4534 = MCG +06-19-016 = CGCG 179-018 = PGC 24453

08 42 25.8 +37 13 15

V = 12.8; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 72d

17.5" (3/28/92): fairly faint, small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, small bright core, faint extensions. The major axis is almost collinear with a mag 12 star 1.6' ENE of center.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2638 = St XIII-42 on 21 Jan 1885. His position matches UGC 4534.

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NGC 2639 = UGC 4544 = MCG +08-16-024 = CGCG 237-014 = PGC 24506

08 43 38.0 +50 12 20

V = 11.6; Size 1.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 140d

17.5" (3/28/92): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.6'x0.9', halo gradually increases to a small brighter core. A mag 13 star is 2.5' SE. There are several fairly bright stars in the field including two mag 10.5 stars 4.6' E and 5.2' NE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2639 = H I-204 = h518 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815) and remarked "cB, vS, lE, milky." His position (Caroline Herschel's reduction) is 2' NW of UGC 4544. JH observed this galaxy on 4 sweeps and it was logged 13 times with LdR's 72". A "F appendage" was suspected on the 12 Mar 1850 observation and a "F twist starting from sf end and turning p and np" was suspected in 1863.

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NGC 2640 = ESO 165-002 = PGC 24229

08 37 24.6 -55 07 26

V = 11.1; Size 2.2'x1.9'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 104d

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): bright, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright 40" core. A group of 5 faint stars is snuggled up against the west side of the galaxy in two N-S parallel rows. Another very faint star is just off the SE side. Located 4.8' NW mag 9.3 HD 73851 and 2.2' SW of a mag 10.5 star

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): this Carina galaxy has an unusual appearance. At 166x, it appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 1.2'x0.9'. A trio of mag 14 stars is superimposed on the west side of the halo (4 total). The galaxy appears to have a brighter knot or star on the following end. Situated between a mag 10 star 2.2' NW of center and mag 9.3 HD 73851 4.8' SE. Starhopped over from mag 1.9 Delta Velorum located 67' ENE. Also, the galaxy is 2.2° SSW of the naked-eye cluster IC 2391 (surrounding Omicron Velorum).

John Herschel discovered NGC 2640 = h3134 on 26 Feb 1835 and recorded "pF; S; R; has 3 or 4 vS stars near it, preceding. Observation taken by Mr. Maclear." His position and description matches ESO 165-002 = PGC 24229. RNGC classified this galaxy as an "unverified southern object" and it was not included in the first edition of Uranometria Deep Sky Field Guide or the Uranometria 2000 Atlas.

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NGC 2641 = UGC 4577 = MCG +12-09-012 = CGCG 331-065 = CGCG 332-012 = PGC 24722

08 47 57.5 +72 53 45

V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 5d

17.5" (2/1/92): faint, small, round, broad mild concentration, almost stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 2629 6.3' NNW.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2641 = H III-983, along with NGC 2629, on 30 Sep 1802 (his last sweep 1112). He recorded "Two [NGC 2629 & NGC 2641], the place is that of the last [NGC 2641]. That of which the place is taken [NGC 2641] is vF, S. The other [NGC 2629] precedes it RA = 42 seconds and is 6' more north. The preceding one stellar. It is within 1' of a small star which follows it, and which is free from the burs which affect the stellar."

This nebula was not included in WH's third catalogue as it was discovered after his 500 discovery limit was reached on 26 Sept 1802. It was added as one of the 8 "HON" objects ("William Herschel omitted nebulae") by JH in the Appendix to his Cape Observations and then included in the GC as III 983. Caroline Herschel's reduced position (for 1800) is 6' due south of UGC 4577, a similar offset as NGC 264, so the identifications are certain. The NGC position (adopted by Dreyer from d'Arrest) is 1.0 min of RA too far east. Dreyer notes in his 1912 correction list that WH was correct.

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NGC 2642 = MCG -01-22-033 = PGC 24395

08 40 44.4 -04 07 18

V = 12.6; Size 2.0'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.9

24" (2/16/15): fairly bright, fairly large, dominated by an elongated bar oriented NW-SE with a mag 14 star superimposed at the southeast end of the bar. Two additional stars are superimposed nearly in a string to the north [mag 15 star 24" N and a mag 14 star 42" N]. Surrounding the bar is a low surface brightness glow encompassing these stars, perhaps 1.25' diameter. The spiral arms were not evident. Located just north of a bright, equilateral triangle of stars (mag 8.3/9.2/9.5) with sides ~4'.

13.1" (1/11/86): fairly faint, moderately large, almost round, diffuse, even surface brightness. Unusual appearance as a two mag 13/14 stars are superimposed at the north and SE ends of the halo. Three bright stars form an equilateral triangle just south; mag 8.9 SAO 136172 4.2' SE, mag 8.5 SAO 136168 6.0' S and mag 9.1 SAO 136160 2.8' SSW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2642 = h519 on 19 Feb 1830 and noted "A vF cl or r neb". His position is 36 sec of RA east of MCG -01-22-033 = PGC 24395. The NGC position (from d'Arrest) is 5 sec of RA too far east and 1' south. J.L.E. Dreyer, observing with the 72" on 7 Mar 1877, recorded "Neby very distinct, though vF. I strongly suspect an eF branch foll the 4 [involved] stars, involving some vF stars." The "eF branch" probably refers to the southern spiral arm.

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NGC 2643 = IC 2390: = CGCG 089-067 = PGC 24434

08 41 51.7 +19 42 08

V = 14.9; Size 0.7'x0.4'; PA = 21d

18" (1/13/07): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. Forms the western vertex of a small triangle with a mag 11.5 star 1' SE and a mag 14.5 star 1' NE. Located 10' S of a mag 7 star on the east side of the Beehive cluster with several bright stars in the field including a wide pair of mag 8.5/9.5 stars 4' SW.

17.5" (2/8/97): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. Located 1.2' NW of a mag 11.5 star on the eastern side of M44. Several brighter stars in the 22' field at 220x.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2643 = m 131, along with NGC 2637, on 30 Oct 1864 and simply noted "eF neb*". There is nothing at his position, but 11' N and 18 sec of RA west is IC 2359 = CGCG 089-067 = PGC 24434. Although Marth's declination is quite poor, nearby NGC 2637 which was discovered on the same night appears to have a similar declination error, so this identification seems reasonable.

This galaxy was independently discovered by E.E. Barnard (discovery communicated directly to Dreyer) and placed accurately. So, NGC 2643 is likely a duplicate of IC 2390. Karl Reinmuth suggested the equivalence between NGC 2643 and IC 2390 and it is mentioned in the RNGC. CGCG labels this galaxy IC 2390 and does not use the NGC desingation.

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NGC 2644 = UGC 4533 = MCG +01-22-016 = CGCG 032-052 = PGC 24425

08 41 31.9 +04 58 50

V = 12.3; Size 2.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 14d

17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval ~N-S, weak concentration. A pretty double star mag 13.5/14 at 17" separation lies 3.0' S of center.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2644 = St IX-16 on 6 Feb 1877 and recorded "eF, pL, irr oval, several small points [involved]." His position matches UGC 4533. The same night he discovered NGC 2174, a large, bright emission nebula in Orion.

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NGC 2645 = ESO 259-SC14 = Pismis 6 = OCL-754 = Lund 467

08 39 03 -46 13 36

V = 7.0; Size 1.5'

14" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 142x and 184x): bright compact group with a dozen stars packed into a 2' region. Contains 4 very bright stars forming a right angle, including a striking pair of mag 9 stars (HJ 4122) at 11" separation. A third mag 9 star is 1' W of the pair and another mag 9.5 star is 1' SSE. The latter star is also a double with a mag 10.5 companion at 16" separation. This knot of bright stars is situated 15' ENE of mag 6.9 HD 73658.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2645 = h3136 on 29 Dec 1834 and described a "close group or small cluster of 12 or 13 large and small stars; place of a double star, the chief one." This cluster is equivalent to Pismis 6 (identification from Brian Skiff) with the nearly central pair HD 73919/CoD-45 4352 at 08 39 04 -46 13.6 (2000). This position is identical to Herschel's, so he must have used the same star.

RNGC classifies NGC 2645 as nonexistent (Type 7) and Lynga labels the cluster Pismis 6 without reference to NGC 2645.

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NGC 2646 = IC 511 = UGC 4604 = MCG +12-09-019 = CGCG 331-069 = CGCG 332-019 = LGG 162-003 = PGC 24838

08 50 22.0 +73 27 46

V = 12.1; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.5

17.5" (1/12/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.6'. Weak, even concentration to center. Located 2.5' NNW of a wide 40" pair of mag 11/12.5 stars. In a group with IC 2389 11' NW, IC 520 14' ENE and NGC 2636 15' NW.

13.1" (1/11/86): fairly faint, small, round, faint star close south.

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2646 = T IX-9 on 27 Jul 1883, along with NGC 2636, with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory near Florence. His description reads "small, 2.5' south-following are two stars 12-13m." There is nothilng at Tempel's position, but 1 degree south is UGC 4604 = PGC 24838 and two mag 11-12 stars are ~2.5' SSE, matching his description. The misprint in declination was corrected by Dreyer in the NGC notes section. I'm surprised Tempel missed nearby IC 520, which is a brighter galaxy.

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NGC 2647 = CGCG 089-068 = PGC 24463

08 42 43.1 +19 39 01

V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2

18" (1/13/07): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, very small brighter core. Located at the eastern edge of the Beehive Cluster and 1' NW of a mag 13 star. An elongated 6' string of stars heads to the south and includes two mag 10 stars 4' S and 6.5' S.

17.5" (2/8/97): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, even surface brightness. Located 0.9' NW of a mag 13 star at the east edge of M44!

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2647 = m 132 on 30 Oct 1864 and simply noted a "neb *". His position is 1' south of CGCG 089-068, at the east edge of M44.

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NGC 2648 = Arp 89 = UGC 4541 = MCG +02-22-005 = CGCG 060-035 = PGC 24464

08 42 39.9 +14 17 09

V = 11.8; Size 3.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 148d

48" (2/21/12): very bright large spiral, elongated ~5:2 NNW-SSE, ~2.4'x0.9'. Contains a large, very bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus. Forms an interacting pair (Arp 89) with MCG +02-22-006 2.4' SE of center. NGC 2648 has an asymmetric appearance with the south-southeast arm stretched into a faint tidal tail. The brighter portion of the arm extends south-southeast of the core (in the direction of the major axis), but a faint thinner extension curves and sweeps east, fading out just before connecting with MCG +02-22-006. A mag 11 star is 1.9' E. The companion appeared moderately bright, edge-on 5:1 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.2', sharply concentrated with a very small, bright nucleus. The system was classified by Arp under "spiral with a large high surface-brightness companion on arms".

24" (4/28/14): moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, sharply concentrated with a very bright core, 1.5'x0.6'. A mag 11 star lies 1.9' E of center. Forms a pair (Arp 89) with edge-on MCG +02-22-006 2.4' SE. The companion appeared very faint, small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, ~25"x10", low even surface brightness.

17.5" (2/1/92): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, small very bright core. Located 1.9' W of a mag 10.5 star.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2648 = H III-49 = h521 = h3135 on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 177) and recorded "F, S, with a nucleus. I had some doubts but 240 confirmed the reality." On 18 Mar 1786 (sweep 538) he logged "F, lE from np to sf, cS. Almost like two joined together." JH made two observations at Slough and from the Cape of Good Hope noted "pB; lE; psmbM; precedes a star 10m."

R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72" on 23 Feb 1857, described NGC 2648 as "E np sf, mbM." In addition he noted and sketched a second nebula, "I think Alpha is a very faint ray though likely to be taken at first for a star." The diagram clearly reveals that Alpha -- drawn as a small nebula extending WNW-ESE -- is CGCG 060-036 = PGC 24469. The full description and sketch was not included in LdR's 1861 monograph, so JH was unaware when he compiled the GC and Dreyer skipped CGCG 060-036 when compiling the NGC.

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NGC 2649 = UGC 4555 = MCG +06-19-018 = CGCG 179-022 = PGC 24531

08 44 08.3 +34 43 02

V = 12.3; Size 1.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.1

17.5" (3/20/93): very faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, almost even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is at the north edge 30" from center. MCG +06-19-020 lies 24' SE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2649 = H II-727 = h522 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 807) and called "pF, pL, iR, resolvable." His position is 2' NW of UGC 4555 = PGC 24531. The 9 Mar 1852 observation with LdR's 72" reads "Almost planetary, star in north edge, second star much smaller preceding it."

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NGC 2650 = UGC 4603 = MCG +12-09-020 = CGCG 332-018 = LGG 163-002 = PGC 24817

08 49 58.4 +70 17 58

V = 13.3; Size 1.6'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 82d

17.5" (2/2/02): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 0.6'x0.4', even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is at the east end [23" from center] and a fainter mag 14.5 star is just off the north edge [33" from center]. Located 7.6' W of mag 7.3 SAO 6667.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2650 = H II-908 on 30 Sep 1802 (his last sweep 1112) and recorded "pB, pL, easily resolvable. I believe I see some of the stars. Irregular figure." His position (Caroline's reduction) and description matches UGC 4603. This galaxy was not included in WH's third catalogue as it was discovered after his 500 discovery threshold was reached on 26 Sep 1802. JH added it in the appendix to his CGH catalogue as one of 8 "HON" (Herschel omitted Nebulae) and he included it in the GC as H II-908 = GC 1690.

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NGC 2651 = CGCG 061-001 = PGC 24521

08 43 55.2 +11 46 16

V = 15.2; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.7

18" (3/11/07): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, very low even surface brightness and requires averted vision. Located 48' SW of 5.9-magnitude 50 Cancri.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2651 = m 133 on 10 Mar 1864 and noted "eF, S, E." His position is 1' south of CGCG 61-001.

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NGC 2652 = NGC 2974 = MCG +00-25-008 = CGCG 007-022 = UGCA 172 = PGC 27762

09 42 33.0 -03 41 59

V = 10.9; Size 3.5'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 42d

See observing notes for NGC 2974.

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 2652 = LM II-406 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 12.0, 0.7'x0.3', E 50°, gbM, stellar ncl, *9 at 0.8' in PA 240°." There is nothing near his published position. But Harold Corwin uncovered that Stone made a 1 hour clerical error in RA. Once corrected, the position is a reasonable math with NGC 2974 and his detailed description is a perfect match. So, NGC 2652 = NGC 2974 with NGC 2974 the primary designation (WH discovery).

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NGC 2653

08 54 55.6 +78 23 37

Size 17"

=**, Corwin. =group of stars (north of NGC 2655), Carlson.

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2653 = T VI-7 on 18 Aug 1882 and reported a tiny nebula 12' north of NGC 2655 = H I-288. At this position is a 16" pair of mag 13/14 stars that fits Tempel's description ("together with 2 brighter stars forms an obtuse triangle").

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NGC 2654 = UGC 4605 = MCG +10-13-017 = CGCG 288-006 = PGC 24784

08 49 11.9 +60 13 16

V = 11.8; Size 4.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 63d

13.1" (1/11/86): fairly faint, edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, bright elongated core. A mag 11 star is 4.5' N.

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2654 = T VI-6 on 18 Aug 1882 and recorded "S, B, II-III class; stellar ncl; a star 10m is 4'-5' north." His position is 0.9 min of RA west and 3' north of UGC 4605, but their are no other nearby candidates and the description fits perfectly (a mag 11 star is 4.4' NNE).

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NGC 2655 = Arp 225 = UGC 4637 = MCG +13-07-010 = CGCG 349-033 = CGCG 350-007 = PGC 25069

08 55 38.5 +78 13 25

V = 10.1; Size 4.9'x4.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 85d

17.5" (2/1/92): very bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 E-W, 3'x2', even concentration to an unusually bright core and almost stellar nucleus. There appears to be a sharper light cut-off along the north side. Forms an equilateral triangle with mag 9.2 SAO 6687 10' NE and mag 7.4 SAO 6692 11' SE. Brightest in a group (LGG 165) including NGC 2591, 2715 and 2748.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2655 = H I-288 = h520 on 26 Sep 1802 (sweep 1111, his second to last sweep) and recorded "vB, cL, lE, suddenly mbM. I suspect it to be a cl of star." CH's reduced position is 5' north of UGC 5152. JH logged this galaxy as "vB; lE; in parallel; psmbM, to a nucl = a * 12m; 30". Has a L * p and another f, at a considerable distance." Horace Tuttle independently found the galaxy on 8 Apr 1850 with the 15-inch Merz refractor at the Harvard College Observatory and it was reported as HC 12 in the AN #1453 discovery list. The HCO position is accurate.

According to Michael Hoskin's "Unfinished Business: William Herschel’s Sweeps for Nebulae", NGC 2655 = H I-288, NGC 2908 = H III-977 and NGC 3057 = H III-978 were the last three entries in his third catalogue to officially bring the total to 500 -- added after Herschel's third catalogue had been sent to the Royal Society for publication in 1802.  A month after submission, Caroline discovered that only 497 objects were included and on 26 Sep 1802, Herschel found 6 new nebulae.  Three of these (including NGC 2655) were added by Caroline to the catalogue, and three were saved for a possible additional catalogue.  A few nights later (30 Sep 1802) WH discovered 4 more nebulae but these along with 3 from earlier years that were overlooked were added at the last minute to the proofs to bring the actual total to 510, as WH was finished with his sweeps.

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NGC 2656 = MCG +09-15-025 = CGCG 264-015 = VV 703 = PGC 24707

08 47 53.1 +53 52 34

V = 13.8; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.7

17.5" (1/12/02): faint, small, round, 35" diameter, even surface brightness. A mag 12 star lies 3.5' W. This is a double system with a compact companion (not seen) at the west edge. Forms a pair with much fainter CGCG 264-014 3.4' NW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2656 = h523 on 10 Feb 1831 and simply noted "eF; psbM." His position from this single observation matches CGCG 264-015 = PGC 24707.

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NGC 2657 = UGC 4573 = MCG +02-23-002 = CGCG 061-006 = PGC 24595

08 45 15.8 +09 38 43

V = 13.0; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.5

17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration. Forms the vertex of a right triangle with a mag 12 star 2' SSW and a mag 13 star 3' SE.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2657 = St XIII-43 on 7 Mar 1885. His position matches UGC 4573. This is one of the last few galaxies discovered by Stephan, along with NGC 2657 and NGC 3007 9 days later.

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NGC 2658 = ESO 432-SC4 = Cr 195 = Mel 90

08 43 27 -32 39 24

Size 12'

13.1" (2/25/84): 10 stars mag 11-14 resolved over haze in a 7' diameter. A knot or double star is at the north edge. Three mag 11 stars are off the south, southeast and east side but the remaining stars are mag 13-14. Alpha Pyxidis (V = 3.7) lies 35' SSE.

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2658 = D 609 = h4017 on 28 May 1826 and described a "small round faint nebula. North of L. Pyxidis". His position is just 3.3' southwest of center (relatively accurate for his positions), so the identication is fairly secure. JH recorded the cluster on 16 Feb 1836 and noted a "Cl class 8; not m comp; not v rich; v irreg fig; 5' diam; st 12.13m." He added the cluster in a supplementary list at the end of the Cape catalogue (h4016 to h4021). Dreyer identified these objects as "h o n" (John Herschel Omitted Object) in the NGC.

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NGC 2659 = ESO 260-SC3 = Cr 194 = Mel 91

08 42 39 -44 57 30

V = 8.6; Size 12'

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): bright, compact group with 15-20 stars in a 4' group including five mag 10-10.5 stars and a distinctive brighter pair. This cluster is in the same field as the Vela Supernova Remnant, though I didn't search for filaments in this region.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2659 = h3137 on 3 Feb 1835. His second more detailed description reads "Cluster VII class; p rich, pL, 12' l, 8' br; fig irreg; rather branching stars 11..14th mag, not compressed in middle." Both descriptions give a much larger size than I noted in my observation.

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NGC 2660 = ESO 260-SC4 = Cr 193 = Mel 92

08 42 38 -47 12 02

V = 8.8; Size 4'

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): this distant cluster appeared relatively faint, small, and was only partially resolved. It appeared ~2' in diameter and comparable to a faint globular cluster. A few faint stars were resolved on the west side and an unresolved brighter knot of stars resides on the south side. The cluster is wedged between a yellow/orange mag 8.4 star 2.5' S and a mag 10 star to the north. Located 16' ENE of mag 4.7 HD 74272.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2660 = h3138 on 29 Dec 1834 and recorded a "Cl VI cluster; irreg R; gbM; 4'; resolved into distinct stars 14m." His position (measured on 2 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 2661 = UGC 4584 = MCG +02-23-004 = CGCG 061-008 = PGC 24632

08 45 59.5 +12 37 15

V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4

17.5" (3/29/89): fairly faint, small, round, weak concentration. A mag 11 star 1.0' W of center and 30" of the edge of the halo detracts from viewing.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2661 = H III-50 = Big 38 on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 177) and logged "eF, near a pB star, I had only a distant suspicion of its existence, but 240 confirmed it beyond a doubt and showed it of some considerable extent. It is circular and without a nucleus." There is nothing at his position, but 28 sec of RA west and 1' north is UGC 4584. The "pB star" is 1' west.

In the GC, JH remarked "I find a memorandum to the effect that this neb is lost and was probably a comet, but I cannot recover my authority for the statement. It is described by H. as "of the last degree of faintness," and it is therefore no way surprising that it should not have been again pereceived without some time and trouple bestowed, and in clear weather." Biguordan found this galaxy on 8 Mar 1886 and measured an accurate position. In the remarks section of his second Comptes Rendus list, Bigourdan noted B. 38 was identical to GC 1696 [NGC 2661], which has an error of 28 seconds in RA. Dreyer repeated in the 1912 revision of WH's catalogues that the "RA is 28s too great (Ann. Harv. Coll., xiii, and Bigourdan.)"

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NGC 2662 = MCG -02-23-002 = PGC 24612

08 45 32.0 -15 07 17

V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, very small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, sharp concentration with a very small high surface brightness core surrounded by a very faint halo. A mag 14 star is 43" WNW of center.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2662 = h3139 on 16 Mar 1836 and remarked "vF; vS; R; bM; near a * 15m." His position is exactly 10' S of M-02-23-002 = NPM1G -14.0271. Herbert Howe recovered the galaxy after 3 failed attempts at JH's position and finally measured an accurate position in 1898 using the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver.

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NGC 2663 = ESO 371-014 = MCG -06-20-001 = PGC 24590

08 45 08.1 -33 47 41

V = 10.9; Size 3.5'x2.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 110d

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 2.2'x1.5', contains a prominent core which is evenly concentrated down to a non-stellar nucleus. Located in rich star field. Several stars are within 5' including a mag 14 star 1.2' N of center and a mag 11.5 star 3.8' NW of center. Located 5.7' NE of a mag 10.5 star.

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2663 = Sw III-40 on 8 Feb 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory in New York. His position is 2.6' south of ESO 371-014. This is probably the brightest galaxy (V = 10.9) discovered by Swift and the most southerly!

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NGC 2664

08 47 07 +12 36 24

Size 5'

17.5" (2/8/97): poor scattered asterism of 10 stars in a 5' region dominated by four mag 10-11 stars in a "kite" asterism with pairs of sides 2' and 3'. Only noticeable at low power and does not resemble a cluster, although the fainter stars are nicely spaced around the bright stars. A fainter group with 4-5 mag 13 stars lies 5' NW. Listed as a nonexistent cluster in RNGC.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2664 = h524 on 20 Mar 1830 and recorded "A neat cl of stars 9 and 10m regularly arranged about a central one (N.B. This is nearly the place of III 50, but no neb was noticed.)" At JH's position are four mag 10/11 stars with several mag 13/14 stars nearby (his position nearly coincides with a mag 10 star at 08 47 13.8 +12 36 14).

Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey based on Heidelberg plates, adds "pS Cl of a few st 10...15." Harold Corwin notes that Villanova (2004, A&A, 428, 67) concludes this is a random enhancement of field stars and not a cluster. The position given here corresponds with the center of this asterism.

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NGC 2665 = ESO 563-019 = MCG -03-23-004 = UGCA 144 = PGC 24634

08 46 00.9 -19 18 11

V = 12.2; Size 2.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 144d

17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, small bright core contains a faint stellar nucleus. A very faint star is superimposed. Two mag 11 stars lie 3.5' N and 3.7' ESE.

Frank Muller discovered NGC 2665 = LM II-407 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "mag 11.0, 0.6' dia, R, gbMN." His position matched ESO 563-019 = PGC 24634.

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NGC 2666

08 49 49 +44 42 12

Size 11'

18" (2/14/10): The HD 751354 group consists of nearly two dozen stars scattered around a mag 8 star. Three collinear stars (length 3') oriented SW to NE are 2' E of HD 75135. Another group of ~10 stars is scattered over a 5' region to the NW of the bright star. This group was visually uninspiring and appears to be an asterism.

18" (2/23/06): the only possible candidate near John Herschel's original position is a mag 11.7 star and a group of five mag 13.5-14.5 stars close south. Four of the stars are strung along a 5' gently curving arc. To the northeast is a much brighter 10' string of a half dozen stars that extends towards the northeast. Neither of these asterisms, though, are probably eye-catching enough to be mentioned as a "course cluster". Note: Based on more recent historical investigation, this identification is incorrect.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2666 = h525 on 19 Mar 1828 and simply noted "The chief * of a coarse cluster." There is no indication of the size of his cluster, but there is no object matching his description nearby. Karl Reinmuth remarked "nothing like a cluster" in his NGC photographic survey based on Heidelberg plates.

In Jun 2016 Harold Corwin checked JH's sweep record again and found "JH accidentally copied the reduced NPD of the preceding object in the sweep (a double star) into the column for the reduced NPD of this cluster. The difference in the NPD index between the two objects is 2d 21' 18", leading to a corrected position for JH's "chief *" of 08 38 14.8, 44 40 27 (NPD, 1830) or 08 49 49, +44 42.3 (J2000), very close to the position of the SAO star. The identity of JH's object with the sparce group is no longer in any doubt."

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NGC 2667 = IC 2410 = MCG +03-23-007 = CGCG 090-016 = Holm 98a = WBL 196-003 = PGC 24741

08 48 27.3 +19 01 09

V = 13.9; Size 0.8'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 80d

24" (2/16/15): at 322x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 E-W, 35"x14", low even surface brightness. Forms a pair with IC 2411 1.6' NNE. This close companion (similar redshift) appeared very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 25"x12", very low surface brightness. In a group with NGC 2762/2763 13' ENE and IC 2399 11' SW.

17.5" (1/28/89): very faint, small, elongated E-W.

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2667 on 18 Feb 1862 while observing and measuring NGC 2672. His single position is not very accurate, but 7 seconds of time east is CGCG 090-016, the brighter of pair of galaxies. Max Wolf found NGC 2667, as well as the companion 1.6' NNE on Heidelberg plates and catalogued both galaxies (IC 2410 and 2411) without reference to NGC 2667. So, NGC 2667 = IC 2410 and NGC 2667B = IC 2411. CGCG (090-016) and MCG (+03-23-007) both label this galaxy as IC 2410, without reference to NGC 2667.

Interestingly, Ralph Copeland, observing NGC 2667 with the 72" on 26 Dec 1873 noted "cF, pS, lE p f, was thought to have an eF companion about 2' nf." The companion is clearly IC 2411. Dreyer later reobserved the field in 1876 and apparently was not convinced: "eF; I think it is only a *16 m +/- nf." Due to Dreyer's uncertainty, IC 2411 missed receiving a NGC designation.

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NGC 2668 = UGC 4616 = MCG +06-20-007 = CGCG 180-013 = PGC 24791

08 49 22.5 +36 42 37

V = 13.8; Size 1.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 155d

17.5" (3/20/93): very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, low even surface brightness.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2668 = St IX-17 on 7 Feb 1877. His position (Esmiol's reduction) matches UGC 4616.

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NGC 2669 = ESO 165-SC5 = Cr 202 = Harvard 3 = vdB-Ha 52

08 46 22 -52 56 54

V = 6.1; Size 12'

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 142x and 184x): fairly rich group of ~60 stars in a 6' or 7' region, elongated N-S. Includes a mix of brighter mag 9.5-11 stars, along with a number of faint mag 14-15 stars. A mag 9.5 star and five mag 11-12 in a 1.5' N-S string, is on the northeast side. The cluster is bounded by a striking number of very bright stars including mag 7.6 HD 75105 off the southwest side, mag 8.2 HD 75227 and mag 7.7 HD 75202 off the north side, and mag 8.6 HD 75167 off the south side (20" pair with a mag 11 star). The group spans at least 12' to 14' if you include these bright stars. Located ~55' E of IC 2391 (surrounding mag 3.6 Omicron Velorum).

John Herschel discovered NGC 2669 = h3140 on 11 Apr 1834 and recorded "Cluster VIII class. A L, poor, loose cl of stars, 10...13m." The position was noted as very uncertain, with the RA to the nearest (+/-) minute. There is nothing resembling even a poor cluster near his position. Dreyer credited Persian astronomer Al-Sûfi with the discovery of NGC 2669, but Al-Sûfi mentioned IC 2391 instead.

According to Archinal and Hynes in "Star Clusters", in 1930 Robert Trumpler found the most likely candidate for Herschel's missing cluster. He noted "NGC 2669 - Declination of NGC corrected by +1°.", which corresponds with ESO 165-SC5. This cluster fits JH's description though Archinal comments that several of the stars are brighter than mag 10...13. He also mentions that Harvard 3 (from Shapley's 1930 Monograph on star clusters) refers to a part of NGC 2669.

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NGC 2670 = ESO 210-SC5 = Cr 200 = Mel 93 = Lund 484

08 45 30 -48 47 30

V = 7.8; Size 7'

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x, this fairly bright open cluster has an unusual appearance. Roughly two dozen stars mag 10-12 are arranged in a "wishbone" arrangement with a distinctive string of stars running SW-NE with the brightest mag 9 star on the SW end, with another string running E-W and a third side running N-S. The group is ~6' in diameter.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2670 = h3142 on 18 Feb 1836 and recorded "a cluster 8th class, not rich, nor much compressed; 8' in diameter, irr round, stars 13 mag." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2671 = ESO 313-SC14 = Cr 201

08 46 12 -41 52 36

Size 4'

17.5" (12/19/87): faint, small cluster. Between 15-20 stars mag 11-13 are resolved over haze. This cluster is far south for viewing from Northern California.

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2671 = D 489 = h3141 on 1 May 1826 and recorded "a very faint nebula, about 6' diameter, with small stars scattered in it - in the milky way." Dunlop made 2 observations and his position is just 2' SSE of center. JH made a single observation on 2 Mar 1835 and logged "a pretty rich, irregularly round cluster, not mbM, stars 12..13th mag, place that of the general middle." JH noted D 489 and D 490 as possible equivalences, though D 490 appears to describe Tr 10 = Cr 203: "very large cluster of pretty bright stars, coarsely scattered, about 1° diameter, following a star 5th magnitude, 396 Argus (Bode)."

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NGC 2672 = Arp 167 NED1 = UGC 4619 = MCG +03-23-010 = CGCG 090-019w = Holm 99a = PGC 24790

08 49 21.9 +19 04 29

V = 11.7; Size 3.0'x2.8'; Surf Br = 14.0

24" (2/16/15): bright, fairly large, sharply concentrated with a very bright core. The large halo (~1.6' dia) has a low surface brightness and appears to encompass NGC 2673 (just 35" between center). A mag 14 star lies 1.2' SE and a mag 13.7 star is 1.6' NE. A mag 15 star is embedded on the west edge of the halo [34" from center]. At 450x, the core gradually brightens to a quasi-stellar nucleus.

17.5" (1/28/89): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, sharp concentration. Forms a contact pair with NGC 2673 at the east edge 40" separation between centers. A mag 13.5 star is 1.5' NNE and a fainter mag 14 star is 1.1' SE.

13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, slightly elongated ~E-W, bright core.

13.1" (1/28/84): fairly faint, small, round.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2672 = H II-48 = H II-80 = h526 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 169) and recorded "a nebula r[esolvable], pL, lbM then towards the extremes and contains one star following the brightness and very near to it." His position is off by nearly 15' (the reference star was a large distance away) and the nearby star he mentions is the close companion NGC 2673. Dreyer noted in his 1912 publication of WH's catalogues, that "there was some doubt about the contraction of the rope in Sw. 169, hence in the error in the P.D. of II.48." One week later he recorded II-80 on sweep 181 as "pB, pL, E, r. I can see 2 or 3 stars in it." In this sweep his position was accurate to within 2', so the identification is certain. Another observation of II-80 was on 13 Feb 1787 (sweep 698): "pB, E from a few degrees sp to nf. The greatest brightness lays to the preceding side, it resembles a small one with another much smaller close to it nf [NGC 2673] with resolvable nebulosity around it." In this sweep he mentioned he looked for II-48, but couldn't find it.

Coincidentally, JH discovered a very faint galaxy (h527 = NGC 2677 = CGCG 090-021) on 17 Mar 1831 near Caroline Herschel's reduced position for H II-48 that he assumed was his father's II-48. On 19 Dec 1848, George Stoney discovered NGC 2673, a close companion to NGC 2672 -- noted as a star by both Herschels -- with LdR's 72", but he thought it was h527. In the GC, JH still listed H II-48 under the entry for NGC 2677 (GC 1707). Finally, in the GC Supplement, Dreyer suggested II-48 = II-80 and they were equated in the NGC.

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NGC 2673 = Arp 167 NED2 = UGC 4620 = MCG +03-23-011 = CGCG 090-019e = Holm 99b = PGC 24792

08 49 24.1 +19 04 27

V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x1.2'

24" (2/16/15): at 322x; fairly faint, small, round, ~18" diameter. Easily visible glow just 35" E of the center of NGC 2672 and embedded in its low surface brightness halo. At 450x, the tiny nucleus occasionally brightens to a stellar point. A mag 14 star is just 50" SE. The pair is generally considered an interacting pair, resulting in a faint plume (not seen) extending to the southeast of NGC 2673.

17.5" (1/28/89): very faint, extremely small, round. NGC 2673 appears as a small "knot" attached at the east end of NGC 2672 40" between centers. A mag 14 star is 1.0' SE and a mag 13.5 star lies 1.0' NNE.

13" (1/18/85): very faint, appears as an extremely small "knot" 20" diameter in the halo of NGC 2672 just 0.6' E of the core. Two stars are near NNE and SE.

George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 2673, the eastern component of the double system with NGC 2672, on 19 Dec 1849 and noted a "close double nebula, small star preceding." On 9 Feb 1855, R.J. Mitchell gave a more detailed description but incorrectly assumed NGC 2673 was h527 = NGC 2677: "very close, almost touching; h526 [NGC 2672] is mbM, h527 is smaller and lbM." Dreyer later added the note "the latter is not h527, but the close companion to [NGC 2673], viz [GC] 1705." Interestingly, it's possible that both Herschels noted NGC 2673 in their observations, but thought it was a very faint star.

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NGC 2674 = PGC 24785

08 49 13.2 -14 17 39

V = 14.9; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 65d

24" (1/25/14): very faint, small, slightly elongated, 15"x12", weak concentration. A number of mag 12-13 stars are in the field including a mag 12.5 star 1.3' NW.

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 2674 = LM I-152 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 16.0, 0.4' dia, neb?" There is nothing at or near his rough position (nearest min of RA) and Herbert Howe was unable to find it on two nights at Stone's position using the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory around 1900.

Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 2674 probably refers to PGC 24785, a faint galaxy located 1.2 min of RA due east of Stone's position. As the Leander McCormick positions in the first list are often off in RA, this identification is fairly certain. RNGC classifes NGC 2674 as nonexistent and NGC 2674 was not included in the first edition of the "Deep Sky Field Guide" to the Uranometria 2000.0 Atlas.

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NGC 2675 = UGC 4629 = MCG +09-15-037 = CGCG 264-021 = PGC 24909

08 52 05.0 +53 37 02

V = 13.3; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 80d

17.5" (4/6/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 1.0'x0.7', just a weak broad concentration with no well-defined core. A small trio of mag 14 stars precedes by 2'-3'.

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2675 on 2 Dec 1861 with the 11" refractor at the Copenhagen Observatory. This object is #81 in AN 1500, but was added to a short appendix of omitted observations in his Siderum Nebulosorum. His position is poor -- 7 sec of RA east and 7' south of UGC 4629. But a mag 14 star is 13 sec of RA preceding, matching his comment "mag 15 star precedes 12.4 seconds [of time]." MCG gives the NGC designation as uncertain.

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NGC 2676 = UGC 4627 = MCG +08-16-032 = CGCG 237-022 = PGC 24881

08 51 35.6 +47 33 27

V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3

17.5" (2/9/02): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star lies 1.5' NE. A distinctive rectangle of stars is ~4' NE including mag 8.2 SAO 42578 and mag 9.9 SAO 42574.

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2676 = Sw VI-33 on 24 Nov 1886 and described "eeF; pS; R; trapezoid of 4 pB stars near nf." His position is 7 tsec E and 1' N of UGC 4627 and his description of the nearby 4 stars matches perfectly.

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NGC 2677 = MCG +03-23-012 = CGCG 090-021 = PGC 24821

08 50 01.3 +19 00 35

V = 14.3; Size 0.6'x0.3'; PA = 175d

17.5" (1/28/89): extremely faint and small, round, low even surface brightness. In a group with NGC 2667, NGC 2672, NGC 2673.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2677 = h527 on 17 Mar 1831 and noted "The faintest object imaginable, and discerned with the utmost difficulty. Sky perfectly clear." His position is an excellent match with CGCG 090-021 = PGC 24821 although the RA is marked uncertain. He listed his father's H II-48 as a synonym although Dreyer notes in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of William Herschel" that H II-48 = H II-80 = NGC 2672 and H II-48 is not NGC 2677.

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NGC 2678

08 50 03 +11 20 18

Size 10'

18" (3/5/05): this asterism contains two groupings of stars to the south of M67 which is partly in the field of the 31 Nagler at the north side. The northern subgroup contains two mag 8.8 and 9.3 stars separated by 3' with a fainter double star between. About 9' SW is a nice group of 5 stars surrounding mag 8.4 HD 75373. Several mag 10-11 stars are to the SW including a NW-SE string.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2678 = H VIII-10 = h528 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 172), noting a "a cluster of very coarse scattered stars, not rich." JH made four observations and reported on one sweep "A poor cluster of 4 or 5 large and a few scattered small stars." Both of the Herschel's positions point to 4 or 5 mag 9/10 stars with a few fainter stars -- an unimpressive asterism. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 2679 = UGC 4632a = MCG +05-21-014a = CGCG 150-041a = PGC 24884

08 51 32.8 +30 51 52

V = 13.3; Size 1.8'x1.8'; Surf Br = 14.4

17.5" (3/25/95): fairly faint, very small, round, compact appearance. Has a fairly high surface brightness with a very small bright core. A nice mag 12/13 double star at 12" separation lies 7' W. Forms a double system with NGC 2680 attached at the east side within a common halo, just 0.2' between centers.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2679 = H III-294 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 386) and recorded "vF, vS, R, bM, large stellar neb." His position is 1.6' south of UGC 4632 = PGC 24884. JH observed this galaxy on 27 Jan 1827 and logged "pB, R, vgmbM, 15"." He measured an accurate position. Lord Rosse and his assistants described this a very close double nebula, with the following nucleus catalogued by Dreyer as NGC 2680. The SDSS reveals there are only two stars on the following side of NGC 2679. See notes on NGC 2680.

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NGC 2680 = UGC 4632b = MCG +05-21-014b = CGCG 150-041b = PGC 24884

08 51 33.6 +30 51 57

V = 15.1/16.2; Size 5"

17.5" (3/25/95): appears as a very faint quasi-stellar object attached on the following side of NGC 2679 within a common halo. This object (a 5" pair of mag 15.1/16.2 stars) is smaller and fainter than NGC 2679 and appears nearly stellar with just 0.2' separation between the pair and the center of NGC 2679.

Bindon Stoney discovered NGC 2680 on 26 Feb 1851 using Lord Rosse's 72" and recorded an "exceeding close double nebula [with NGC 2679]." A total of 9 observations were made at Birr Castle, generally describing a very close double nebula within a common envelope or a nebula with a double nucleus. For example, Sir Robert Ball's description on 12 Jan 1867 reads "Double nebula in Pos 85.5°, preceding on cB, R, mbM, following one F, R, perhaps with a * in the middle."

UGC (4632) calls this a double system (NGC 2679 + 2680) with a "companion superimposed at 0.2' following center, 0.20'x0.15'." The DSS reveals two, very close stellar objects (northern component brighter) at the east edge of NGC 2679. These are individually catalogued in NED as NGC 2680 NED01 ("Southern of two compacts (or stars?) superposed on NGC 2679") and NGC 2680 NED02 ("Northern of two compacts (or stars?) superposed on NGC 2679"). NED also has a single entry for NGC 2680 = KPG 176B (from the Karachentsev Isolated Pairs of Galaxies catalogue) at their mean position. LEDA has a single entry for NGC 2679 = NGC 2680, but no individual entry(s) for NGC 2680. On the SDSS DR8, two stellar objects just east of the nucleus of NGC 2679 are superimposed. The northern "star" is classified as a galaxy and the southern component as a star.

After a query from Ivan Maly, I sent an email to Brian Skiff on 3/10/14 asking about the classification of these two objects and he quickly responded, "These are both stars. I just examined numerous available images using the Goddard SkyView utility (GALEX, DSS, SDSS DR7 and DR8, 2MASS; no UKIDSS coverage unfortunately). Simply doing a blink-comparison of the POSS-I and -II blue plates (POSS-I red has less-good resolution), it is obvious that the northern star of the pair has modest proper motion, while the southern one is essentially fixed. (I used 'SAOimage ds9' for this.) Large-scale cut-outs of the Sloan images show no indication that they are other than stars, and the relative motion shows they are unrelated to each other. Using the SDSS DR7 catalogue, I get V magnitudes 15.1 and 16.2, and separation of 4".66 in pa 192.2 deg for the two stars (epoch 2003.967).  At the epoch of POSS-I the position-angle is close to 180 deg, so presumably in Lord Rosse's time the fainter star would have been to the southeast."

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NGC 2681 = UGC 4645 = MCG +09-15-041 = CGCG 264-026 = PGC 24961

08 53 32.8 +51 18 50

V = 10.3; Size 3.6'x3.3'; Surf Br = 12.8

17.5" (4/6/91): bright, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, about 2' diameter. Contains a small unusually bright core and stellar nucleus. A pair of mag 12 stars are 2.1' W with separation 30" oriented NW-SE. NGC 2693 lies 32' E.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2681 = H I-242 = h530 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 945) and recorded "vB, large bright resolvable nucleus with vF chevelure." JH gave a similar description: "B; L; vsmbM to a * 10-11m, but sharply defined. It is a nebulous star with a vF extensive nebulosity." Eleven observations were made at Birr Castle, though no additional details were clearly recorded.

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NGC 2682 = M67 = Cr 204

08 51 24 +11 49

V = 6.9; Size 30'

17.5": at 140x about 200 stars mag 10-14 in a 15' diameter. Includes several rich subgroups including one on the south edge near three brighter mag 10 stars. The brightest star mag 7.8 SAO 98178 is just off the NE edge.

13" (12/22/84): about 100 stars mag 10-15 in 15' diameter, very rich and impressive cluster.

13" (3/24/84): beautiful at 88x with over 75 stars resolved at this magnification.

Johann Gottfried Koehler (discoverer of M50 and M60) discovered M67 = NGC 2682 = h531 before 1779 and recorded "A rather conspicuous nebula in elongated figure, near Alpha of Cancer." It was independently discovered by Messier on 6 Apr 1780 and reported as "Cluster of small stars with nebulosity, below the southern claw of Cancer. The position determined from the star Alpha [Cancri]." WH first observed the cluster on 26 Mar 1783 using his 6-inch and simply noted a "cluster of stars." With his 18-inch in 1784 he described "a most beautiful cluster of stars; not less than 200 in view."

This is an old open cluster with age 3-4 billion years (Sue French states 2.6 billion years in March 2009 S&T while Astronomy mentions 3.2 billion in the Apr 2012 issue. The position given in Lynga #5, Sky Catalogue 2000, NGC 2000 and Deep Sky Field Guide (first version) is about 1.0 min of RA too far west.

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NGC 2683 = UGC 4641 = MCG +06-20-011 = CGCG 180-017 = PGC 24930

08 52 41.4 +33 25 14

V = 9.8; Size 9.3'x2.2'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 44d

18" (3/13/10): gorgeous view at 280x! This detailed, edge-on spiral extends 9'x1.5' SW-NE. The central region is well concentrated with a very bright, elongated core, roughly 3'x1.5' and noticeably mottled or dusty with brighter knots or spots near the core. The southwest extension is more prominent and is easily traced to the outer tip. This extensions grow broadly to the core. In contrast, the northeast extension fades rapidly after the core, so there is a sharper concentration to the core on the northeast side of the core. The northeast arm has a low surface brightness as it extends past a mag 13 star (close double) off the north flank. The galaxy has an unusual warped appearance with the southwest and northeast portions not aligned due to asymmetric extensions from the core.

13.1" (1/18/85): very bright, very large, nearly edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, 8.0'x2.0', halo is broadly concentrated. Mottled or dusty near the core but no distinct nucleus.

16x80 (1/18/85): visible in finder as a faint, edge-on steak

13.1" (2/25/84): bright and impressive, brigter core, thin fainter extensions oriented SW-NE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2683 = H I-200 = h532 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 807) and reported "very brilliant, mE from sp to nf but nearer the meridian, about 7 or 8' l and 2 1/2 or 3' br. The brightness also much elongated and going off pretty suddently; a beautiful object." JH made three observations.

A total of 16 observations were made at Birr Castle and several times it was described as slightly concave and sharper on the preceding side. On 2 Jan 1868, "vF streaks and lanes on each side parallel to ray [were suspected]."

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NGC 2684 = UGC 4662 = MCG +08-16-035 = CGCG 237-024 = PGC 25024

08 54 54.1 +49 09 38

V = 12.9; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 40d

18" (4/26/08): at 220x, NGC 2684 appeared fairly faint, fairly small, oval 4:3 SW-NE. This is the brightest in a compact group (similar to a HCG) with four additional nearby NGC galaxies: NGC 2686 (double galaxy) 1.4' SE, NGC 2687 1.9' E, NGC 2688 3.7' SE (confirmed, though extremely faint), and NGC 2689 5.8' SE (marignal observation).

17.5" (3/8/97): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.7', just a broad weak concentration. Two mag 12-13 stars lie 2' N and 1.5' ESE. Brightest of three in a close group. The faintest members NGC 2688 and NGC 2689 were not visible.

17.5" (3/16/96): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.8', weak concetration. A mag 13 star is 1.5' ESE and a mag 12.5 star lies 1.9' N. Brightest in a group of extremely faint galaxies including NGC 2687 and NGC 2686 close following.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2684 = H III-712 = h533 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815) and reported "eF, cS, resolvable, preceding some faint stars." His position is just 1' too far northwest. JH made two observations and recorded on 8 Mar 1831, "vF; pL; R; 30"; a *12 m s f and on 13 m, n p." The two stars are 1.4' ESE and 1.9' N. Three extremely faint companions to NGC 2684 were discovered by LdR.

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NGC 2685 = Arp 336 = Helix galaxy = UGC 4666 = MCG +10-13-039 = CGCG 288-012 = PGC 25065

08 55 34.6 +58 44 03

V = 11.3; Size 4.5'x2.3'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 38d

48" (4/6/13): this famous polar-ring galaxy (nearest and brightest) was viewed at 488x. It appeared very bright, large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 1.5'x0.5', slightly bulging center (spindle shape), high surface brightness and brighter along the central axis. Well concentrated with an intense core and surrounded by a much larger, low surface brightness halo that increases the size to 2.5'x1.2'. The polar-ring was seen on the northwest side as a faint, low surface brightness outer loop attached to the spindle and bulging out ~20". Periodically the outer edge of the loop popped as a distinct arc and appeared as a semi-ring. A mag 11 star lies 2.4' N.

13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, fairly small edge-on 4:1 SW-NE. Contains an elongated bright core. A mag 11 star is 2.4' N of center. The well-known polar ring was not seen.

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2685 = T VI-8 on 18 Aug 1882 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory. His position is ~30 sec of RA too far east and 3' too far north, but the identification is certain.

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NGC 2686 = MCG +08-16-036/-037 = VV 765 = PGC 25026

08 54 59.8 +49 08 33

V = 14.8; Size 0.8'x0.45'; Surf Br = 12.6

18" (4/26/08): this member of the compact NGC 2684 group appeared very faint, very small, either elongated or double oriented E-W. I had a strong impression this was a very close pair, as sometimes a single round galaxy was visible and at other times it was elongated E-W or the fainter companion momentarily popped into view. The DSS reveals a double galaxy (eastern component is fainter) just 16" between centers. Located 1.4' SE of NGC 2684 and 0.9' SW of a mag 12.5 star. NGC 2687 is just 1.4' NE

17.5" (3/8/97): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. Located 1' SW of a mag 12.5 star and 1.5' SE of NGC 2684. Second brightest of three in NGC 2684 group.

17.5" (3/16/96): picked up while viewing NGC 2684. Extremely faint, very small, appears elongated 2:1 E-W. Located 1.3' SE of NGC 2684 and requires concentration to view. The mag 13 star mentioned in the observation of NGC 2684 is 0.9' NE. This is an (unresolved) double system with the components oriented E-W. The fainter eastern member is designated NGC 2686B. Member of a group of faint galaxies along with NGC 2687.

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2686 on 11 Mar 1858 using Lord Rosse's 72" (along with NGC 2687, 2688 and 2689), while observing the field of NGC 2684. He described it as "double or is a neb with hazy * close f" and labeled it on the sketch as Beta. MCG +08-16-036/037 is a double galaxy and the orientation on the sketch (E-W) is correct, so this identification is certain. RNGC and MCG have separate listings for NGC 2686A and B.

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NGC 2687 = NGC 2687B = MCG +08-16-038+039 = VV 765 = PGC 25030+31

08 55 06.0 +49 09 22

V = 14.8; Size 0.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.9; PA = 28d

18" (4/26/08): this member of the NGC 2684 compact group appeared very faint, very small, slightly elongated, low surface brightness, 15"x12". Located 1.9' E of NGC 2684 and just 35" E of a mag 12.5 star. NGC 2686 lies 1.4' SW.

17.5" (3/8/97): faintest of close trio with NGC 2684 and NGC 2686. Appears extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W with concentration. Requires averted vision to clearly view. Located just 30" following a mag 12.5 star and 2' E of NGC 2684. Looked for NGC 2688 and NGC 2689 unsuccessfully.

17.5" (3/16/96): picked up 1.9' E of NGC 2684 and 30" E of a mag 13 star. Extremely faint, very small, requires averted vision but repeatedly glimpsed. This unresolved double system appeared elongated WNW-ESE in the orientation of the members.

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2687 on 11 Mar 1858 using Lord Rosse's 72" (along with NGC 2686, 2688 and 2689), while observing the field of NGC 2684. There was no description given (or approximate offsets from NGC 2684), so JH gave a single position in the GC for NGC 2686, 2687 and 2688. The sketch, though, shows NGC 2687 east or slightly ESE of NGC 2684, with a star just preceding NGC 2687. The SDSS reveals this a very close pair of galaxies (MCG +08-16-038 and -039) with the following component much brighter.

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NGC 2688 = MCG +08-16-040 = PGC 25048

08 55 11.7 +49 07 21

V = 15.8; Size 0.3'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.7

18" (4/26/08): this very difficult member of the NGC 2684 group appeared extremely faint and small, ~5" diameter (quasi-stellar). Only popped into view with averted vision and concentration but sketched in the correct position on a line between a mag 10.7 star 2.8' SSE and NGC 2687.

17.5" (3/8/97): not found

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2688 on 11 Mar 1858 using Lord Rosse's 72" (along with NGC 2686, 2687 and 2689), while observing the field of NGC 2684. He simply noted "vvF" but the sketch can be matched up well with MCG +08-16-040 = PGC 25048. See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 2689 = PGC 2333935

08 55 25.4 +49 06 55

V = 16.3; Size 0.35'x0.25'

18" (4/26/08): this is the faintest of 6 galaxies viewed in the compact NGC 2684 group. It was a marginal observation (barely glimpsed several times) with averted vision 2.7' NE of a mag 10.7 star. It was necessary to keep this distracting star out of the field. Slightly easier NGC 2688 lies 2.3' WNW

17.5" (3/8/97): not found.

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2689 on 11 Mar 1858 at Birr Castle. It was indicated on the sketch of the NGC 2684 field published in the 1880 Monograph, along with NGC 2686, NGC 2687 and NGC 2688.  Dreyer reobserved the field in 1878, but he noted the "sky is very bad" and the novae were not seen.

JH only included three of the four novae in the GC (1715/1716/1717), so one was left out but Dreyer assigned NGC 2689 to the 4th nebula in the NGC. Based on the sketch, NGC 2689 can be matched with LEDA 2333935.  This is the faintest known galaxy (V = 16.3-16.4) discovered at Birr Castle, according to Wolfgang Steinicke.

RNGC and PGC misidentify PGC 25042 (at 08 55 15.5 +49 09 04) as NGC 2689.  NED and HyperLEDA equate NGC 2689 with PGC 2333935. The identifications of NGC 2688 and NGC 2689 are discussed by Malcolm Thomson in his Catalogue Corrections.

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NGC 2690 = UGC 4647 = MCG +00-23-008 = CGCG 005-020 = PGC 24926

08 52 38.0 -02 36 12

V = 13.1; Size 1.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 19d

17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, small, very elongated ~N-S, weak concentration.

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2690 = Sw III-41 on 10 Mar 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. His position is 20 sec of RA west of UGC 4647. Herbert Howe corrected the sloppy RA around the turn of the 20th century with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory and Kobold also measured an accurate position at Strassburg in 1897.

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NGC 2691 = UGC 4664 = MCG +07-18-064 = CGCG 209-006 = Mrk 391 = PGC 25020

08 54 46.3 +39 32 19

V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 165d

17.5" (2/9/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~3:2 N-S, 0.7'x0.4', weak concentration to a very small brighter core. Bracketed by a mag 13 star 0.9' N and a mag 12 star 2.5' SW. NGC 2704 lies 25' ESE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2691 = H II-658 on 20 Mar 1787 (sweep 721) and noted "pF, vS, mbM." His position (Caroline Herschel's reduction) is about 2' NW of UGC 4664 and the only nearby candidate. MCG does not label the entry +07-18-064 as NGC 2691.

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NGC 2692 = UGC 4675 = MCG +09-15-057 = CGCG 264-036 = PGC 25142

08 56 58.0 +52 03 57

V = 13.3; Size 1.3'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 165d

17.5" (2/8/86): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S. A mag 13 star is 2.1' NW of center. Forms a pair with UGC 4671 3.4' NW. NGC 2693 lies 43' S.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2692 = H III-831 = h534 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 945) and simply noted as "vF, vS." His position is less than 2' southeast of UGC 4675. JH called the galaxy "vF; S; R; psbM" and measured a more accurate position.

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NGC 2693 = UGC 4674 = MCG +09-15-055 = CGCG 264-035 = PGC 25144

08 56 59.3 +51 20 51

V = 11.9; Size 2.6'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 160d

17.5" (2/8/86): fairly bright, fairly small, bright core encased in much fainter halo, slightly elongated ~N-S. Forms a close pair with NGC 2694 1' S.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2693 = H II-823 = h535 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 945) and recorded "pB, S, R, mbM." His position is within the northwest side of the halo. JH called the galaxy "pB; mE nearly in meridian [north-south]; psbM." This double system was resolved with the 72" at Birr Castle. The CGCG declination is 30' too far south.

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NGC 2694 = MCG +09-15-056 = CGCG 264-034 = PGC 25143

08 56 59.3 +51 19 55

V = 14.5; Size 0.3'x0.3'

17.5" (2/8/86): faint, very small, almost round. Forms a close double system with brighter and larger NGC 2693 1' N.

George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 2694 (double system with NGC 2693) on 9 Mar 1850 with LdR's 72". Multiple observations were made in the next couple of years (13 total) but JH didn't include this nebula in the GC as no details were given in the 1861 monograph. So, Dreyer added it in the GC supplement (GC 5435).

The CGCG declination is 30' too far south (same error with NGC 2693). RC3 gives the dimensions as 1.2x1.2, but this much too large.

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NGC 2695 = MCG +00-23-010 = CGCG 005-025 = PGC 25003

08 54 27.0 -03 04 01

V = 11.9; Size 1.7'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 175d

17.5" (2/13/88): moderately bright, small, round, bright core. Situated between a mag 13 star 0.8' W of center and a mag 14 star at the east edge 0.4' from center. Brightest in a group along with NGC 2708 30' SE. NGC 2697 lies 9.4' NE, NGC 2698 19' SE and NGC 2699 21' ESE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2695 = H II-280 = h536 on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 353) and logged "F, vS, lE, just following an obscure star, verified with 240 power." JH gave a more complete description: "pB; S; E nearly in parallel between 2 st of 12 and 15m, each half the length of the neb from the adjacent extremity."

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NGC 2696 = MCG -01-23-004 = PGC 24851

08 50 42.0 -05 00 35

Size 1.2'x1.1'

17.5" (2/1/03): faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, weak even concentration to center. Located 6' SSW of mag 8.7 SAO 136330. Due to a very poor position by Stone, this galaxy is not generally identified as NGC 2696 (4 tmin error in RA) is not plotted on U2000 (version 2) atlas. Listed at mag 16pg in the MCG, but does not appear that faint.

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 2696 = LM I-153 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded as "mag 15.8, 0.2' dia, stellar nucleus." There is nothing near his rough position (nearest min of RA). Harold Corwin suggests this may be MCG -01-23-004, in which case Stone's RA would be 4 minutes too large (as often the case with L M observations, the dec is fairly accurate but the RA is very poor). So, this is an uncertain but very plausible identification. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 2697 = MCG +00-23-011 = CGCG 005-027 = PGC 25029

08 54 59.2 -02 59 14

V = 12.3; Size 1.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 120d

17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, small, irregularly round, weak concentration. Located 9.4' NE of brighter NGC 2695 in the same field.

Lord Rosse and Bindon Stoney discovered NGC 2697 on 24 Jan 1851 with the 72", while observing NGC 2695. They noted "another neb, S, oval, about 10' following and 4' north." d'Arrest measured an accurate position on 22 Feb 1865.

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NGC 2698 = MCG +00-23-012 = CGCG 005-030 = PGC 25067

08 55 36.4 -03 11 02

V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 96d

17.5" (2/13/88): moderately bright, small, oval ~E-W, bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 4.0' SE of mag 7.1 SAO 136405. Forms a pair with NGC 2699 4.7' NE. Brightest in a group with NGC 2695.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2698 = h538 on 11 Mar 1826 and recorded "vF; R; resolvable; 30"; stars suspected in it. A *9 m precedes. This may possibly be II 281[NGC 2708] with an error of 10' in PD, but I have no reason for believing my obs erroneous." His position and description matches CGCG 005-030 = PGC 25067.

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NGC 2699 = MCG +00-23-014 = CGCG 005-033 = PGC 25075

08 55 48.7 -03 07 39

V = 12.6; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.6

17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core. A mag 14.5-15.0 star is 0.9' NE of center (NGC 2700). Forms a pair with NGC 2698 4.7' SW in the NGC 2695/NGC 2698 group.

Bindon Stoney discovered NGC 2699 on 27 Jan 1852, in one of the 11 observations of the NGC 2695/2708 field. He noted "about 20' sf [of NGC 2695] are 2 B, S neb, about 5' asunder." At the position of these two nebulae is NGC 2698 (discovered earlier by JH) and NGC 2699. Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 2699 on 4 Jan 1862 and his position (measured on 3 nights) matches CGCG 005-033 = PGC 25075. He noted he had no doubt it was one of LdR's "6 knots", but was credited with the discovery in the GC and NGC.

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NGC 2700

08 55 50.6 -03 06 59

17.5" (2/13/88): this is a mag 14.5-15.0 star situated just 0.9' NE of the center of NGC 2699 (see observation).

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2700 around 1876 (communicated directly to Dreyer), along with NGC 2702/2703/2705/2707. All of these numbers probably apply to faint stars he found while observing the NGC 2695-2698 Group! The North Polar Distance in the NGC is two degrees too far south since NGC 2700 was placed just 1' N of NGC 2699. There is only a mag 14.5-15 star at his position, recorded in my observation of NGC 2699.

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NGC 2701 = UGC 4695 = MCG +09-15-063 = CGCG 264-043 = PGC 25237

08 59 05.4 +53 46 13

V = 12.3; Size 2.2'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 23d

13.1" (2/23/85): fairly faint, almost even surface brightness. A mag 12 star on the northwest edge interferes with viewing the halo.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2701 = H IV-66 = h537 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 949) and recorded "a small star with a fan-shaped nebula. The star is on the preceding side of the diverging chevelure, and seems to be connected with it." His position (Auwers' reduction) is 4' S of UGC 4695. JH called it "A *11-12m with a pB fan-shaped neb appendage in which there seems to one vF*. A curious object. See fig 65." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2702

08 55 54.6 -03 03 55

=*?, Corwin. Misidentified in the RNGC with 2MASX J08553714-0303149.

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2702 around 1876, along with NGC 2700/2703/2705/2707. All of these numbers probably apply to faint stars he found while observing the NGC 2695-2698 Group! He placed this object 4' NE of NGC 2699 and a mag ~15.5 star is at this position. Interestingly, Dreyer, observing with the 72" on 4 Mar 1877, described this nova as "an eF, vS, neb nf GC 1727 [NGC 2699] in PA 18.0° and dist. 238.8". But this offset points exactly to the mag 15.5 star.

RNGC and PGC (as well as other sources based on these catalogues such as Megastar) misidentify PGC 25072 as NGC 2702. This galaxy is 4.4' N of NGC 2699 but 11 tsec preceding. If Tempel confused the E-W orientations of the two galaxies, then PGC 25072 is a possible candidate though it may be too faint to have been seen in the 11-inch Amici I refractor.

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NGC 2703

08 55 47.1 -03 18 25

=**, Corwin. NF, Carlson.

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2703 around 1876 in the N2695/2698 group and described (in the NGC) as "eF,lE,doubtful". There is no nebula near his position, but 2' SW is a double star. Dreyer looked for Tempel's "nova" on 4 Mar 1877 at Birr Castle and reported "looked carefully for a nova Tempel [NGC 2703] between [[NGC 2698] and [NGC 2708], saw none, only about midways vF double star, which I first mistook for a nebula." Ironicallly, this probably was Tempel's "nova"! Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel" also found a "? Neb *14, *14.5 sp vnr." Harold Corwin also identifies this double star as NGC 2703.

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NGC 2704 = IC 2424 = UGC 4678 = MCG +07-19-005 = CGCG 209-009 = Holm 103a = PGC 25134

08 56 47.7 +39 22 56

V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3

24" (2/16/15): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 0.9' diameter, broad weak concentration.

UGC 4689 lies 12' NE, UGC 4699 (overlapping double system) is 24' ENE and UGC 4704 is 28' SE. UGC 4689 is very faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 24"x18" (central region). UGC 4699 is fairly faint, fairly small, roundish, weak concentration. A very distinctive group of four brighter stars ("T" or "Y" shape) is 3' to 5' preceding. Finally, UGC 4704 (viewed at 200x) is extremely faint, thin edge-on roughly 10:1 WNW-ESE, 1.2'x0.2', can only glimpse due to very low even surface brightness. A mag 11 star is just south of the east end [2.2' from center].

17.5" (3/20/93): faint, fairly small, round, broad mild concentration. UGC 4699 lies 24' ENE and NGC 2691 is 25' NW.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2704 = H III-625 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716) and noted "vF, vS. The same with 300 power." There is nothing at his position, but 1.0 min of RA west and 2' north is UGC 4678. Bigourdan was unsuccessful in finding NGC 2704 at Herschel's position but reported Big. 271 (later IC 2424) as new at the correct position. Dreyer noted that NGC 2704 is probably equal to IC 2424 (even suggested by Bigourdan) and Herschel's position was in error by 1 tmin. So, NGC 2704 = IC 2424. See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 2705

08 56 00.0 -03 00 54

=*?, Corwin. NF, Carlson.

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2705 around 1876, along with NGC 2700/2702/2703/2707 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri observatory. All of these numbers probably apply to faint stars he found while observing the NGC 2695-2698 Group! There are no nebulae near his positions, but 1' south is a mag 16 star. Interestingly, Dreyer, observing with the 72" on 7 Mar 1877, described this nova as "eF, eS, is nf GC 1727 [NGC 2699] in PA 22.3° and dist. 440.4", it forms a quadrilateral with 3 st 14m f and nf. Other eF neb susp here." Dreyer's offset and description points exactly to this faint star.

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NGC 2706 = UGC 4680 = MCG +00-23-017 = CGCG 005-036 = PGC 25102

08 56 12.3 -02 33 48

V = 13.0; Size 1.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 167d

17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.25'. A mag 12 star is close following the SSE tip 1.3' from center.

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2706 = Sw III-42 on 27 Feb 1886 and wrote, "vF; pS; vE; * nr following." His position and description matches UGC 4680.

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NGC 2707

08 56 05.5 -03 04 00

V = 13.1

=*?, Corwin. NF, Carlson.

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2707 around 1876, along with NGC 2700/2702/2703/2705 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri observatory. All of these numbers probably apply to faint stars he found while observing the NGC 2695-2698 Group! A mag 15 star (GSC 4869-855) is close to the NGC position at 08 56 05.5 -03 04 00 (J2000), though this identification is uncertain.

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NGC 2708 = NGC 2727 = MCG +00-23-015 = CGCG 005-034 = PGC 25097

08 56 07.9 -03 21 37

V = 12.0; Size 2.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 20d

17.5" (2/13/88): moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, bright core. A mag 13.5 star is 0.9' NE of center. Forms a pair with NGC 2709 7.1' NNE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2708 = H II-281 on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 353) and noted "vF, vS, irr F." His position is less than 2' south of CGCG 005-034 = PGC 25097. No observations were made by JH but his RA for h546 = NGC 2727 is exactly 5 min greater and Corwin suggests h546 may apply to NGC 2708.

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NGC 2709 = MCG +00-23-016 = CGCG 005-035 = PGC 25103

08 56 12.8 -03 14 36

V = 13.7; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 90d

17.5" (2/13/88): very faint, very small, round, even surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 2708 7.1' SSW.

Bindon Stoney discovered NGC 2709 on 27 Jan 1852 with LdR's 72" and the sketch shows it 11' SE of NGC 2699 (the actual separation is 9'). On 7 Mar 1877, Dreyer made a more detailed micrometric observation, noting "vF, pL, lE sp nf, north of [NGC 2708]. Pos 9.5°, Dist 434.4"."

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NGC 2710 = UGC 4705 = MCG +09-15-066 = CGCG 264-046 = PGC 25258

08 59 48.4 +55 42 23

V = 12.9; Size 2.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 125d

17.5" (3/20/93): very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE. A mag 14 star is at the NE edge 1.0' from center. A bright wide pair mag 10.5/11 at 37" separation lies 4' SW.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2710 = H III-841 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 949) and called it "vF, S." His position (CH's reduction) is 1' south of UGC 4705.

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NGC 2711 = UGC 4688 = MCG +03-23-020 = CGCG 090-042 = PGC 25164

08 57 23.6 +17 17 17

V = 13.6; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 170d

17.5" (1/28/89): very faint, very small, round. Located between a mag 12 star 1.5' SSW and a mag 11.5 star 1.1' NNE of center.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2711 = m 134 on 28 Mar 1864 and noted "vF, S, R." His position matches UGC 4688.

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NGC 2712 = UGC 4708 = MCG +08-17-003 = CGCG 238-001 = PGC 25248

08 59 30.5 +44 54 50

V = 12.1; Size 2.9'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 178d

13.1" (2/23/85): moderately bright, elongated 3:2 N-S, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2712 = h540 on 19 Mar 1828 and remarked "pB; L; E; vgbM; 2' l; 1.5' br' with attention a central point is seen = a * 18m." His position matches UGC 4708. Romney Robinson observed it with Lord Rosse's 72" on 5 Mar 1848 and described a "fine globular cluster, well resolved, no trace of * in centre." Robinson was adamant that all nebulae could be resolved so this bias certainly affected the observation.

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NGC 2713 = UGC 4691 = MCG +01-23-006 = CGCG 033-028 = PGC 25161

08 57 20.4 +02 55 14

V = 11.8; Size 3.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 107d

13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, fairly small, large brighter core. Forms a pair with NGC 2716 11' NNE. Located 4.5' ENE of mag 9 SAO 117289.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2713 = m 135, along with NGC 2716, on 3 Mar 1864 and logged "pB, iR, mbM." Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered the pair on 15 Mar 1866. He noted a mag 10 star (SAO 117289) preceded by 18 sec of time and 46" south and measured an accurate position (2 nights).

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NGC 2714 = ESO 125-007 = PGC 24959

08 53 29.8 -59 13 02

V = 12.9; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1' diameter, moderate even concentration to the center, symmetric appearance. Set in a rich Carina star field 27' W of mag 4.9 HD 77002 (wide 4.9/6.8 pair at 40").

John Herschel discovered NGC 2714 = h3143 on 4 Feb 1835 and recorded "eF; S; R; pslbM; difficult, but certain." His position matches ESO 125-007 = PGC 24959. RNGC classifies the number as an "Unverified southern object" (Type 0). Because of this, NGC 2714 is not in the Deep Sky Field Guide nor plotted on the first edition of Uranometria 2000 Atlas.

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NGC 2715 = UGC 4759 = MCG +13-07-015 = CGCG 350-012 = PGC 25676

09 08 06.4 +78 05 07

V = 11.2; Size 4.9'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 22d

17.5" (2/1/92): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 4'x2', broad weak concentration, fairly low but irregular surface brightness. The major axis is collinear with a mag 11 star 4.0' SSW of center.

Alphonse Borrelly discovered NGC 2715 around 1871 with a 7.2-inch comet-seeker at Marseille Observatory. He noted "pretty bright, 3' in extent, elliptic; no nucleus." and his micrometric position (MNRAS, 32, 248) matches UGC 4759.

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NGC 2716 = UGC 4692 = MCG +01-23-007 = CGCG 033-029 = Holm 104a = PGC 25172

08 57 35.9 +03 05 25

V = 11.8; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.0; PA = 30d

13.1" (1/18/85): fairly faint, small, round, brighter core. A mag 12 star lies 1.4' ESE of center. Forms a pair with NGC 2713 11' SSW.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2716 = m 136, along with NGC 2713 on 3 Mar 1864 and recorded "F, S, R, mbM." Heinrich d'Arrest independently found the pair on 15 Mar 1866 and both measured accurate positions.

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NGC 2717 = ESO 496-021 = MCG -04-21-015 = PGC 25146

08 57 01.1 -24 40 26

V = 12.3; Size 2.1'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 10d

17.5" (3/25/95): moderately bright, fairly small, 50" diameter, oval SSW-NNE, high surface brightness. Contains a prominent 30" bright core and a stellar nucleus. Difficult to judge extent of outer halo as gradually fades into background. A mag 11 star lies 2.1' ENE of center. Located 13' NW of mag 7.1 SAO 176747.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2717 = h3144 on 20 Mar 1835 and noted "F, S, R, gpmbM, 20"." His mean position (two observations) matches ESO 496-021 = PGC 25146

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NGC 2718 = UGC 4707 = MCG +01-23-015 = Mrk 703 = PGC 25225

08 58 50.4 +06 17 35

V = 11.8; Size 2.1'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.3

17.5" (3/29/89): fairly faint, moderately large, oval NW-SE, bright core, stellar nucleus. Surrounded by three mag 14.5 stars 1.6' ENE, 1.4' N and 1.9' W of center.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2718 = H II-557 = h542 on 24 Mar 1786 (sweep 543) and recorded "F, mE, unequally bright, 3' long, 1' broad." JH gave a very rough NPD and noted "F; pL; R." In the GC, included h542 and his father's H II-557 as separate entries with the comment "The descriptions are irreconcileable, and they must be two distinct nebulae..." But, Dreyer "looked carefully for other neb near it, found none." on 18 Mar 1876 with the 72" and combined the two GC entries into NGC 2718.

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NGC 2719 = Arp 202 NED1 = UGC 4718 = MCG +06-20-017 = CGCG 180-025a = Holm 105a = PGC 25281

09 00 15.7 +35 43 39

V = 13.1; Size 1.3'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.9; PA = 133d

17.5" (3/20/93): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE. Forms a double system with NGC 2719A, which appears as a small knot at the south end, just 26" between centers. NGC 2724 lies 10' ENE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2719 = H III-540 = h541 on 28 Mar 1786 (sweep 549) and recorde "vF, S, lE, seems to contain 2 vF stars." His position is 11 sec of RA too far west, but the description is accurate. On a second sweep he apparently added "E 20 degrees np-sf." and this implies the south-following star is certainly NGC 2719A.

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NGC 2720 = UGC 4710 = MCG +02-23-016 = CGCG 061-034 = PGC 25238

08 59 08.0 +11 08 57

V = 12.8; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0

17.5" (3/29/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated ~NW-SE, very small bright core.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2720 = m 137 on 10 Mar 1864 and noted "F, S, R, bM." His position matches UGC 4710. Wilhelm Tempel also measured the position in list I-23 and noted it was certainly equivalent to Marth's nebula.

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NGC 2721 = MCG -01-23-015 = PGC 25231

08 58 56.5 -04 54 07

V = 11.7; Size 2.6'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 160d

17.5" (2/13/88): moderately bright, fairly small, irregularly round, large brighter core. Located 15' E of mag 6.6 SAO 136450. The RNGC declination is 18' too far north.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2721 = H II-529 = h543 on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 520) and simply noted "F, S". His position is 10 sec of RA west of MCG -01-23-015 = PGC 25231. JH also recorded it on two sweeps and corrected the RA.

The RNGC declination is off by 18' too far north. This mistake was noticed while using the Uranometria 2000 Atlas to star hop to this galaxy and later was verified on the DSS. Coincidentally, the MCG declination is also 9' too far N (all the M-01-23-XXX galaxies must be shifted 9' south). I included this error in RNGC Corrections #3 (on the NGC/IC Project site).

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NGC 2722 = NGC 2733 = MCG -01-23-014 = PGC 25221

08 58 46.1 -03 42 37

V = 12.6; Size 1.9'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 90d

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 1.2'x0.8', brighter along major axis, fairly weak even concentration down to a brighter core, no well-defined nucleus. A mag 12 star lies 2.0' WNW. The NGC position is 10' too far east.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2722 = H III-264 on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 353) and noted as "eF, stellar, 240 verified it. I should have overlooked it, but in gaging the field perceived it." His position (Caroline Herschel's reduction) is 36 sec of RA east of MCG -01-23-014. An accurate position was measured on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 520). The RNGC position is 0.7 min of RA too far east. MCG does not label this galaxy NGC 2722.

See NGC 2733 = h547, which may be a duplicate entry.

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NGC 2723 = UGC 4723 = MCG +01-23-017 = CGCG 033-039 = PGC 25280

09 00 14.3 +03 10 40

V = 13.2; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter, very small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star just 0.6' ENE of center is brighter than the core. Also an extremely faint 15th mag star is just off the NW edge 20" from center.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2723 = m 138 on 3 Mar 1864 with Lassell's 48" and noted "F, S, R." His position is 1.6' NE of UGC 4723.

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NGC 2724 = UGC 4726 = MCG +06-20-019 = CGCG 180-027 = PGC 25331

09 01 01.8 +35 45 45

V = 13.6; Size 1.8'x1.6'; Surf Br = 14.6; PA = 2d

17.5" (3/20/93): very faint, moderately large, round, low even surface brightness. Located 2.8' NE of a mag 10 star which detracts from viewing. At the edge of the 220x field is mag 7.7 SAO 61205 10' NE. In a trio with NGC 2719 and NGC 2719A 10' WSW. This galaxy is not identified as NGC 2724 in the UGC, CGCG or MCG.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2724 = h544 on 7 Feb 1832 and noted "eF; S; R." There is nothing at his position, but 0.9 min of RA west and 1' north is UGC 4726. JH gave the RA as uncertain, so this identification is reasonable. Because of this discrepancy, UGC, CGCG and MCG do not label their respective entries as NGC 2724, but RNGC and RC3 both label UGC 4726 as NGC 2724. Harold Corwin mentions NGC 2719 (further west) as another possibility, but this is further out in RA and is quite elongated.

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NGC 2725 = UGC 4732 = MCG +02-23-018 = CGCG 061-038 = PGC 25332

09 01 03.2 +11 05 51

V = 13.4; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.3

17.5" (3/29/89): faint, small, round, weak concentration. A mag 11 star is 2.5' N of center. Forms a pair with NGC 2728 10' E.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2725 = m 139 on 10 Mar 1864 (along with NGC 2728) and noted "F, pL". Marth's position is at the south edge of UGC 4732.

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NGC 2726 = UGC 4750 = MCG +10-13-054 = CGCG 288-018 = PGC 25498

09 04 56.8 +59 55 58

V = 12.5; Size 1.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 87d

17.5" (4/5/97): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 E-W, 1.2'x0.4', bright bulging core. A mag 15 star is just south of the core [23" SSW of center].

William Herschel discovered NGC 2726 = H II-834 = h545 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 952) and recorded "pF, pS, iF, easily resolvable." His position is 3' NE of UGC 4750. JH called this galaxy "eF; R; quite certain" and measured an accurate position. MCG misidentifies MCG +10-13-055 as NGC 2726.

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NGC 2727 = NGC 2708 = MCG +00-23-015 = CGCG 005-034 = PGC 25097

08 56 07.9 -03 21 37

See observing notes for NGC 2708.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2727 = h546 on 12 Mar 1826 and recorded "vF; L; R; bM." There is nothing at his position and Bigourdan was unable to find h546. Harold Corwin comments that is JH made a 5 min error in RA too far east, then NGC 2727 would be a duplicate observation of NGC 2708. His description for h546 is "round", while NGC 2708 is very elongated, so this identification is very uncertain, but NGC 2733 = h547 discovered next in the same sweep also has a large error in RA, making the identification more likely. RNGC classifies NGC 2727 as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2728 = UGC 4738 = MCG +02-23-020 = CGCG 061-042 = PGC 25360

09 01 40.9 +11 04 58

V = 13.6; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 60d

17.5" (3/29/89): very faint, fairly small, round, very small bright core, low surface brightness. Located along the south side of a very thin triangle formed by three mag 11-12 stars including a mag 12 star 2' W and pair of mag 11 stars 2' NE. Located 10' E of NGC 2725.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2728 = m 140 on 10 Mar 1864 (along with NGC 2725) and noted "vF, L, R, bM". His position matches UGC 4738 = PGC 25360.

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NGC 2729 = UGC 4737 = MCG +01-23-018 = CGCG 033-046 = Holm 196a = PGC 25352

09 01 28.6 +03 43 14

V = 13.4; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 0d

17.5" (3/12/94): faint, very small, round, initially appeared elongated E-W due to a mag 15 star attached at the east end which is not cleanly resolved (16" ESE of center). Faint halo 30" diameter is weakly concentrated, very small brighter core. A pleasing bright double star mag 9.9/11 at 24" lies 3' S.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2729 = m 141 on 3 Mar 1864 and noted "vF, vS, R". His position is 6 sec of RA west of UGC 4737, but there's no question of the identity. The mag 15 star at the east edge was described as nebulous by Karl Reinmuth in his photographic survey based on Heidelberg plates.

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NGC 2730 = UGC 4743 = MCG +03-23-028 = CGCG 090-057 = PGC 25384

09 02 15.8 +16 50 18

V = 13.0; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 80d

17.5" (1/28/89): faint, moderately large, almost round, low surface brightness. A mag 14.5 star is just off the south edge 0.7' from center. Two mag 12.5 stars lie 2.0' SSE and 2.5' S. Forms a wide pair with NGC 2734 12' E.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2730 = m 142 on 28 Mar 1864 and noted "vF, L, R." His position is 1.8' due north of UGC 4743 of U04743 = PGC 25384.

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NGC 2731 = UGC 4741 = MCG +02-23-021 = CGCG 033-048 = CGCG 061-045 = PGC 25376

09 02 08.4 +08 18 05

V = 13.5; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 70d

17.5" (3/29/89): faint, very small, oval WSW-ENE, 0.6'x0.4'. Has an unusual appearance as a mag 13 star is nearly attached at the ENE edge 0.4' from center.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2731 = m 143 on 3 Mar 1864 and noted "F, vS, R." His position is 1.3' NW of UGC 4741 = PGC 25376.

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NGC 2732 = UGC 4818 = MCG +13-07-016 = CGCG 350-013 = PGC 25999

09 13 24.8 +79 11 14

V = 11.9; Size 2.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 67d

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly bright, small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 1.6'x0.7, small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star is at the NE tip 0.8' from center. Forms a pair with UGC 4832 4.1' E.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2732 = h539 on 2 Sep 1828 and recorded "pB; S; E from nf to sp. Has a star nf." There is nothing at his position (marked as uncertain), but ~3 min of RA east is UGC 4818 and his description is a perfect fit with this gaalxy. Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position, which was given in the NGC.

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NGC 2733 = NGC 2722 = MCG -01-23-014 = PGC 25221

08 58 46.1 -03 42 37

See observing notes for NGC 2722.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2733 = h547 on 12 Mar 1826 and noted "eF; R. RA between 52m 31s and 54m 41s." There is nothing at his position, but he gave a wide range for the RA, and Harold Corwin notes that 2.8 min of RA west is NGC 2722. So, this identification is reasonable. NGC 2727, the previous object JH found in the sweep, may also have a large error in RA too far east. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent. See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more.

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NGC 2734 = PGC 25413

09 03 01.6 +16 51 48

Size 0.5'x0.4'

17.5" (1/28/89): extremely faint and small, round, just non-stellar. Three mag 14/15 stars are on a line about 2' NW. Located 12' E of NGC 2730.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2734 = m 144 on 28 Mar 1864 and noted "eF, vS, R." His position is 2' north of PGC 25413, a faint galaxy not catalogued in the CGCG, MCG, UGC or RC3.

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NGC 2735 = Arp 287 NED1 = VV 40a = UGC 4744 = MCG +04-22-002 = CGCG 121-003 = Holm 108a = PGC 25399

09 02 38.7 +25 56 05

V = 13.3; Size 1.2'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 94d

24" (3/22/14): moderately bright and large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 0.9'x0.3', contains a bright elongated core. Forms a close pair (VV 40 = Arp 287) with NGC 2735A = PGC 25402 just 45" ENE of center, but detached. At 375x, the companion appeared very faint and small, round, only 10"-12" diameter. Situated 4.9' NNE of mag 7.3 HD 77313, along with three mag 9-10 stars even closer.

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W. There are four bright stars to the south. Three of these stars oriented WSW-ENE form a shallow arc; mag 10 star 1.6' S, mag 9.1 SAO 80591 3.2' SW, mag 9.0 SAO 80590 4.6' SW. Also mag 7.2 SAO 80592 lies 5' SSW (2' S of SAO 80591).

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2735 = St IX-18 on 26 Feb 1878 using the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and recorded as "small star enveloped in a vF, vS neby, lE E-W." His position is exactly 1.0 tmin of RA east of UGC 4744 although his offset star is correctly placed. The error was caught and corrected by Esmiol in his re-reduction of Stephan's position.

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NGC 2736 = Herschel's Ray = Pencil Nebula = ESO 260-N14 = RCW 37

09 00 17 -45 56 54

Size 30'x7'; PA = 20d

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): Herschel's Ray was a striking, bright filament at 130x and a UHC or OIII filter, extending SSW-NNE for at least 20' in length. Herschel's Ray is brightest along a 5' stretch at the NNE end as it passes to the west of mag 8.3 HD 774433 and continues NNE ending to the west of a mag 9.5 star. Several very faint stars appear to very close to the northern half of the ray, particularly along the eastern edge, though a mag 11.2 star is also at the western edge. The ray weakens or thins to a narrow splinter just the east of this mag 11.2 star. At the NNE tip the filament subtly bends very slightly towards the north and at the SSW end the filament more obviously curves or hooks slightly towards the south as it fades.

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): Herschel's Ray was easily picked up at 105x using a UHC filter. It extended well over 1/2 of the 38' field, at least 20'x2', oriented SSW-NNE. This prominent Vela Supernova filament is brightest towards the NNE end near a mag 8.3 star which is just following the NNE edge. It appears like a thin splinter of light through the field with a weak filamentary structure and variations in brightness, similar to one of the fainter filaments in the Veil nebula. Several stars are very close to the edge including a mag 11 star near the middle. I was impressed the appearance was very comparable to the view I had through the 18-inch in Australia.

18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is an isolated bright eastern filament in the Vela Supernova remnant which is centered over 4° to the west. At 128x and UHC filter (38 arcmin field), it appears as a fairly faint, thin, nebulous streak extending SSW-NNE over half the field, ~20'x1'! The surface brightness is roughly uniform, though the northern portion is brighter near a mag 8.3 star off the NE end. The nebulosity continues past this star and ends with a mag 9.5 star due east of the NNE tip. On the SSW end the nebulosity gradually dims out. A few mag 11 stars border the filament, one just off the west edge near the center and a couple further south.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2736 = h3145 on 1 Mar 1835 and recorded "eeF, L, vvmE; an extraordinary long narrow ray of excessively feeble light; position 19 deg±. At least 20' long, extending much beyond the limits of the field...". It was sketched in Plate V, figure 12. His position and sketch agrees perfectly with ESO 260-N14, the brightest piece of the huge Vela SNR, centered ~ 5 degrees WNW.

Joseph Turner also sketched NGC 2736 in Jan. 1876 using the Great Melbourne Telescope (see http://www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/lithograph_m_4_34.php). In Jan 1885, Barachi commented, "Extremely faint, a long streak across the field, straight, very narrow, with a peculiar group of stars in the n.f. quadrant, forming almost a semicircle, of which the north portion of the streak is the diameter. Streak spreads out at its s.p. end, and becomes a large irregular-shaped whitishness, without distinct contour, which the eye cannot see except by moving the telescope up and down, and only when the back ground is perfectly black and free from haze; even then it requires a little time before it can be seen."

RNGC and NGC 2000.0 misclassify this filament as a galaxy and I mentioned this error in RNGC Corrections #5. The first reported connection of NGC 2736 with the Vela SNR was in 2000: http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/ApJ/journal/issues/ApJL/v543n2/005648/005648.html, two years after the discovery of the SNR itself in 1998. Estimated age of the supernova is 9-11,000 years.

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NGC 2737 = UGC 4751 = MCG +04-22-005 = CGCG 121-009 = PGC 25453

09 03 59.7 +21 54 23

V = 14.1; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 61d

17.5" (1/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated WSW-ENE, small bright core. Forms a close pair with NGC 2738 3.7' N.

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2737, along with NGC 2738, on 23 Feb 1863. His micrometric position (measured on 3 nights) matches UGC 4751 = PGC 25453. Engelhardt also measured an accurate position.

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NGC 2738 = UGC 4752 = VV 481 = MCG +04-22-006 = CGCG 121-010 = PGC 25454

09 04 00.5 +21 58 04

V = 13.0; Size 1.4'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 55d

17.5" (1/28/89): fairly faint, small, elongated SW-NE, small bright core. Forms a close pair with NGC 2737 3.7' S.

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2738, along with NGC 2737, on 23 Feb 1863. His micrometric position (measured on 3 nights) matches UGC 4752 = PGC 25454 and he noted a mag 14 star that precedes by 8 seconds of RA and 30" north.

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NGC 2739 = MCG +09-15-085 = CGCG 264-059 = PGC 25530

09 06 02.8 +51 44 41

V = 14.8; Size 0.8'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 95d

17.5" (4/5/97): very faint, small, round, 20" diameter. Forms a close double system with NGC 2740 40" SE. This galaxy is the smaller of the pair but is slightly more noticeable due to a small brighter core and stellar nucleus with direct vision. A mag 12 star lies 51" NNE of center.

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2739 on 18 Feb 1855 while observing h549 = NGC 2740 with Lord Rosse's 72". He noted a "Double nebula, vF, south one the larger, both S, R." A sketch clearly shows both galaxies as well as two nearby stars (JH logged "four small stars with a strong suspicion of nebula among them").

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NGC 2740 = MCG +09-15-086 = CGCG 264-060 = PGC 25531

09 06 05.0 +51 44 07

V = 14.0; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3

17.5" (4/5/97): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter. A mag 14 star is 35" SE of center. Forms a double system with NGC 2739 40" NW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2740 = h549 on 17 Feb 1831 and recorded "four small stars with a strong suspician of nebula among them." This observation probably refers to both NGC 2739 and NGC 2740 (one or two of Herschel's "stars" are probably the nuclei or cores of these galaxies), but LdR is credited with the discovery of one of the galaxies (NGC 2740) in the GC and NGC. His position is 1.3' north of CGCG 264-060 = PGC 25531, and falls very close to a nearby star.

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NGC 2741 = Mrk 1221 = PGC 25425

09 03 16.5 +18 15 40

Size 0.5'x0.2'; PA = 80d

17.5" (4/6/02): very faint, small, slightly elongated 0.5'x0.3', ver weak concentration. Located 3' N of a mag 10 star. A mag 13 star follows by 1'. This galaxy is the westernmost in the NGC 2744 group and lies 30' W of NGC 2744. The NGC identification is uncertain as Marth's catalogued position is 1.0 tmin further east (nothing exists there). Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2741 = m145 on 28 Mar 1864 and simply noted "vF". There is nothing at his position and Bigourdan, Carlson and RNGC all concluded this object doesn't exist. But Harold Corwin notes that 1.0 min of RA west of Marth's position (and matching in declination) is PGC 25425. The NGC description "p[receding] of two [with NGC 2745]" was added by Dreyer based on the positions, but is not accurate.

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NGC 2742 = NGC 2816? = UGC 4779 = MCG +10-13-057 = CGCG 288-019 = PGC 25640

09 07 33.2 +60 28 46

V = 11.4; Size 3.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 87d

13.1" (12/22/84): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated ~E-W, even moderate surface brightness. Located 4.6' SE of mag 7.7 SAO 14765. A thin isosceles triangle of stars including a mag 13 pair at 24" separation lies 3' SE. NGC 2768 lies 40' SE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2742 = H I-249 = h550 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 952) and described "a considerably bright extended nebula about 4' long and 2' broad; it is easily resolvable, and I suppose with a higher power and longer attention the stars would become visible. It is brighter about the middle." His position is 2.3' northeast of the center of UGC 4779 = PGC 25640. JH made a single observation (no structure noted) and described with the 72" on 12 Mar 1852 as "an amorphous mass of neby of uneven character, elongated p-f." MCG misidenties MCG +10-13-058 as NGC 2742.

NGC 2816 may be a duplicate observation. See that number.

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NGC 2743 = UGC 4760 = MCG +04-22-009 = CGCG 121-013 = PGC 25496

09 04 54.3 +25 00 14

V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 105d

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.8', low surface brightness halo, sharp concentration with prominent 15" core and stellar nucleus. Forms the east vertex of an isosceles triangle with a mag 10.5 star 4.1' NW, a mag 12 star 4.1' WSW and mag 9.0 SAO 80621 9' E.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2743 = H III-608 on 22 Feb 1787 (sweep 703) and noted "eF, S, R, vlbM." His position (Auwers' reduction) is within 1' of UGC 4760.

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NGC 2744 = UGC 4757 = MCG +03-23-031 = CGCG 090-065 = VV 612 = LGG 166-001 = PGC 25480

09 04 39.1 +18 27 53

V = 13.5; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 120d

17.5" (4/6/02): fairly faint, fairly small. Elongated 4:3 ~WNW-ESE, although the appearance is asymmetric with an irregular outline and faint extensions visible with averted vision only. Weak concentration to an ill-defined core. A mag 13.5-14 star is at the east edge, 53" from center. Located 13' NW of NGC 2749 in a group. Difficult NGC 2745 lies 12' due south.

The DSS image reveals a distorted, (possibly) interacting system with a very faint tidal plume to the north.

13" (12/22/84): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, diffuse, low even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is just 0.9' E of center. NGC 2749 lies 14' SE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2744 = H III-60 = h551 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181) and noted "vF, S, r. I saw it better with 240 than 157, very near it is a small star." His position is 8 sec of RA east and 1' north of UGC 4757.

JH made two observations and noted "vF; R; is south of a coarse double star." R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72" on 9 Feb 1855, recorded "Neb is vlbM, perhaps lE np sf. It is closely followed by a small star; a few minutes north are 4 stars."

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NGC 2745 = CGCG 090-064 = PGC 25478

09 04 39.3 +18 15 26

V = 14.6; Size 0.4'x0.2'; PA = 0d

17.5" (4/6/02): extremely faint and small, round, 15" diameter. A similar (in brightness) mag 15 star lies ~30" S and initially drew my attention. Located 4.3' ESE of mag 9.2 SAO 98335 and 10' WSW of NGC 2749 in a group.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2745 = m 146 on 28 Mar 1864 and noted "eF, vS, stellar." His position matches CGCG 090-064 = PGC 25478. Dreyer added the description "f of 2 [with NGC 2741]", but this was based on the erroneous position of NGC 2741.

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NGC 2746 = UGC 4770 = MCG +06-20-023 = CGCG 180-032 = PGC 25533

09 05 59.5 +35 22 38

V = 13.1; Size 1.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.9

17.5" (4/5/97): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, very weak even concentration to a slightly brighter core. A mag 12 star is close north [52" from center].

William Herschel discovered NGC 2746 = H III-825 = h552 on 10 Mar 1790 (sweep 938) and recorded "vF, S, R, bM, south of a small star." His position (Caroline Herschel's reduction) matches UGC 4770.

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NGC 2747 = CGCG 090-070 = PGC 25507

09 05 18.3 +18 26 32

V = 14.5; Size 0.4'x0.2'; PA = 170d

17.5" (4/6/02): very faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter. Low, even surface brightness and even with concentration could not hold steadily. Collinear with a trio of mag 11 stars which trail to the east. Just beyond the south-eastern star in the chain lies NGC 2752 8.5' SE. Located 8' N of NGC 2749 in a small group of a half-dozen galaxies.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2747 = m 147 on 29 Mar 1865 and recorded "vF, vS, stellar." His position matches CGCG 090-070 = PGC 25507.

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NGC 2748 = UGC 4825 = MCG +13-07-019 = CGCG 350-014 = PGC 26018

09 13 42.9 +76 28 33

V = 11.7; Size 3.0'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 38d

17.5" (4/6/91): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 3.0'x1.0' SW-NE, broad concentration but no nucleus.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2748 = h548 on 2 Sep 1828 and recorded "pB; pL; E; vglbM; 90" l; 40" br." The position is marked as approximate, but is less than 2' northwest of the center of UGC 4825.

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NGC 2749 = UGC 4763 = MCG +03-23-036 = CGCG 090-069 = LGG 166-005 = PGC 25508

09 05 21.4 +18 18 49

V = 11.8; Size 1.7'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 69d

17.5" (4/6/02): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 0.9'x0.7', small bright core. Brightest in a group with NGC 2741 30' W, NGC 2744 13' NW, NGC 2745 10' WSW, NGC 2751 4' SE and NGC 2752 5.3' ENE.

13" (12/22/84): fairly faint, small, almost round, bright core, small faint nucleus. Brightest in a group with NGC 2751 4' SE and NGC 2752 5' NE. Also NGC 2744 lies 14' NW.

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2749 on 5 Mar 1862 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen observatory. His position (measured on 6 nights!) matches UGC 4763 = PGC 25508, though he missed nearby NGC 2751 and 2752.

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NGC 2750 = VV 541 = UGC 4769 = MCG +04-22-012 = CGCG 121-017 = KPG 186B = PGC 25525

09 05 48.0 +25 26 13

V = 11.9; Size 2.2'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.3

24" (3/22/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, moderately large, strong concentration with a very small bright core and quasi-stellar nucleus, fairly large slightly elongated halo 1.2'x1.0'. A very faint, elongated brightening was visible at the west edge. This object is catalogued as KPG 186A = PGC 93099, but on the SDSS it appears more likely to be a bright, knotty, star forming region.

17.5" (4/6/02): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter. Moderately concentrated to a small bright core and a stellar nucleus. Forms the NE vertex of a right triangle with mag 9.7 SAO 80618 4' WSW and a mag 11.5 star 3.5' SSW. A superimposed companion on the west side was not seen.

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, fairly small, round, even concentration to a small bright core, halo gradually fades into background. Located 3.9' NE of mag 9.3 SAO 80618.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2750 = H III-291 on 11 Mar 1785 (sweep 384) and remarked "vF, pL, R, bM." Auwer's reduction placed this object 1° too far north, but this error was caught by JH, when he compiled the GC. Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered the nebula and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 2751 = MCG +03-23-037 = CGCG 090-071 = PGC 25517

09 05 32.4 +18 15 44

V = 14.2; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 141d

17.5" (4/6/02): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter (viewed core only). Located 40" S of a mag 13 star and 4' SE of NGC 2749 in a group of a half-dozen galaxies. Brighter NGC 2752 lies 5' NE.

13" (12/22/84): extremely faint, small, almost round. In a group with brightest member NGC 2749 4.0' NW, also NGC 2752 lies 5.7' NNE.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2751 = m 148, along with NGC 2752, on 28 Mar 1864 and noted "eF, eS, stellar." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2752 = UGC 4772 = MCG +03-23-038 = CGCG 090-072 = PGC 25523

09 05 43.0 +18 20 23

V = 13.7; Size 1.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 58d

17.5" (4/6/02): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.3', low surface brightness with no noticeable central brightening. A mag 11 star is 1.0' NW and a close double star (brighter component is 10.5 mag) with a wider third component is 1.9' NE. Located 5.3' ENE of NGC 2749 at the eastern end of a group of 6 galaxies.

13" (12/22/84): extremely faint, small. Three stars are close NE including a fairly bright mag 10/13 double at 20" separation located 2' NE and a mag 10.5 star lies 1.0' NW. Located at the east edge of a galaxy group and 5.3' ENE of NGC 2749.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2752 = m 149, along with NGC 2751, on 28 Mar 1864 and remarked "pF, pL, vmE, gbM." His position matches UGC 4772 = PGC 25523.

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NGC 2753 = MCG +04-22-015 = CGCG 121-020 = PGC 25603

09 07 08.3 +25 20 32

V = 14.4; Size 0.5'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 15d

17.5" (4/6/02): faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 0.5'x0.4', weak concentration. A mag 13.5 star is 1.0' NW. NGC 2750 lies 19' WNW.

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2753 on 21 Feb 1863 with the 11-inch Merz-refractor at the Copenhagen observatory. There is nothing at his position (#87 in AN 1500), though he noted a mag 13-14 star was 40" northwest. Exactly 1 min of time east of his position is CGCG 121-020 = PGC 25603, matching his description. He mentioned that he couldn't find this nebula again on nights #173 and 229, so the first position was clearly a recording or copying error.

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NGC 2754 = ESO 564-016 = PGC 25504

09 05 11.2 -19 05 05

V = 14.2; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 130d

17.5" (2/8/97): very faint, small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, low even surface brightness. Faintest of three in field and located 5.3' SW of NGC 2758 and 9' NW of IC 2437.

Frank Muller discovered NGC 2754 = LM II-408 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and noted as "mag 15.0, 0.4' dia, R; 1st of 3 [with NGC 2757 and 2758." His position is 8 sec of RA west of ESO 564-016 = PGC 25504.

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NGC 2755 = UGC 4789 = MCG +07-19-034 = CGCG 209-030 = PGC 25670

09 07 58.3 +41 42 32

V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 130d

17.5" (4/5/97): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.8'. Even surface brightness with no discernable core. Collinear with a nice well-matched double 12' ENE [mag 11-12 stars at 21" separation].

William Herschel discovered NGC 2755 = H III-626 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716) and recorded "vF, S, iF, lbM, resolvable." CH's reduced position is within 1' of UGC 4789.

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NGC 2756 = UGC 4796 = MCG +09-15-098 = CGCG 264-067 = PGC 25757

09 09 01.1 +53 50 58

V = 12.4; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 0d

17.5" (2/9/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated nearly 2:1 N-S, 1.0'x0.6'. Contains a brighter, roundish core. There is an extremely faint clump of stars (triple on the DSS) about 1' SW which was near the limit of visibility and appeared nebulous. CGCG 264-008 lies 2.8' N.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2756 = H II-828 = h553 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 949) and noted "pB, S, vgmbM." His position (Auwers' reduction) is 1.5' south of UGC 4796, within his usual positional accuracy. JH called this galaxy "pB; pL; lE; vglbM." His position matches UGC 4796.

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NGC 2757

09 05 25.7 -19 02 52

17.5" (2/8/97): this is a faint, close triple star (components mag 15) located 1.3' W of NGC 2758. In my observation of NGC 2758, this triple appeared nebulous and I sketched it as a probably nonstellar companion (slightly elongated with a nearly stellar core)! Howe identifies a wider pair close NW as NGC 2757.

Frank Muller discovered NGC 2757 = LM II-409 in 1886 with the 26" and recorded "mag 15.0, 2nd of 3 [with NGC 2754 and 2758]; *?". His position is just 0.1 min of RA west of NGC 2758. There is no galaxy near this off and Herbert Howe, observing with the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory in Denver, found only an extremely faint double star, dist 12". Harold Corwin proposes a closer triple star (Muller would have easily resolved the coarser double) at 09 05 25.7 -19 02 52. I also thought this triple was a nonstellar object in my observation of NGC 2758! See Corwin's identifications notes for more.

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NGC 2758 = ESO 564-020 = MCG -03-23-019 = PGC 25515

09 05 31.2 -19 02 33

V = 13.2; Size 1.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 19d

17.5" (2/8/97): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.4', weak concentration (viewed core only). A very close trio of mag 15 stars is 1.3' W. This triple is probably NGC 2757, and I mistakenly took it for a small nebulous object also. Situated between two mag 13 stars 2' N and 3' S. Second brightest of three in field with NGC 2754 5.3' SW. On 3/25/95, I picked up brighter IC 2437 10' N but missed the pair of NGC galaxies.

Frank Muller discovered NGC 2758 = LM II-410 in 1886 and recorded "mag 15.2, 0.5'x0.4', E 180° [N-S], 3d of 3 [with NGC 2754 and 2757]. His position is just 9 sec of RA east of ESO 564-020.

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NGC 2759 = UGC 4795 = MCG +06-20-033 = CGCG 180-042 = PGC 25718

09 08 37.3 +37 37 17

V = 13.0; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 50d

17.5" (4/5/97): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, moderately high surface brightness, broad concentration. IC 527 lies 13' E.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2759 = H III-647 = h554 on 20 Mar 1787 (sweep 721) and noted "vF, vS, verified 300 power." His position (CH's reduction) is less than 2' northeast of UGC 4795. JH called this galaxy "pF; R; S; but not nearly so F as [NGC 2746], which precedes it in the sweep." His position is 13 sec of RA too far west.

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NGC 2760

09 15 42 +76 23

=Not found, Gottlieb. =Not found, RNGC.

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2760 = Sw VI-34 on 26 Mar 1887. There is nothing at his position and Bigourdan came up empty . His description mentions "nearly between an 8 and 9 mag star". About 10' NW of his position is a wide pair of mag 13.6/15.5 stars at 35" separation which are at the midpoint of two mag 9/10 stars matching Swift's description - but the pair seems too wide to be confused as nebulous.

Harold Corwin suggests CGCG 350-021 as a possible candidate, although the flanking stars are mag 11. Also, this galaxy is 8.5 min of RA further east and 9' north of Swift's position. More recently (2014) he suggests CGCG 350-016, which is about a half-degree south of Swift's position and 1 min 30 sec west. Because of the large uncertainties, I'm listing this number as not found. See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 2761 = MCG +03-23-041 = CGCG 091-001 = CGCG 090-077 = PGC 25638

09 07 30.9 +18 26 04

V = 13.9; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.2

17.5" (3/12/94): faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter, weak even concentration but no distinct nucleus. Forms the vertex of an obtuse angle with two mag 13 stars 2.3' WNW and 1.9' S. Located at the east end of a group including NGC 2744, NGC 2745, NGC 2747, NGC 2749, NGC 2751 and NGC 2752 viewed previously with the 13".

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2761 = m 150 on 29 Mar 1865 and simply noted as "vF, S". Marth's position matches CGCG 090-077 = PGC 25638.

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NGC 2762 = MCG +08-17-045 = CGCG 264-072 = PGC 25828

09 09 54.5 +50 25 06

V = 15.1; Size 0.5'x0.35'; PA = 0d

18" (2/14/10): at 280x this difficult galaxy appeared extremely faint, very small, possibly elongated though too faint to determine an orientation, 20" diameter. Required averted and concentration to just briefly glimpse (repeated a few times) this object 2.9' WNW of NGC 2767. First of four in a group with NGC 2767, NGC 2769 and NGC 2771.

17.5" (4/5/97): not found but I appeared to be observing partially in a tree and 5 hrs past the meridian! Located 2.9' NW of NGC 2767.

Bindon Stoney discovered NGC 2762 on 26 Feb 1851 with LdR's 72" and noted as 3' NW of Gamma [NGC 2767] on the sketch. The sketch is accurate enough to clearly identify NGC 2767, 2769, 2771 (all discovered by JH), as well as NGC 2762 = MCG +08-17-045. The first edition of the Deep Sky Field Guide lists V = 16.9 and the second edition lists V = 14.0 (should refer to NGC 2767). The SDSS derived mag is V = 15.1.

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NGC 2763 = MCG -02-23-010 = PGC 25570

09 06 49.1 -15 30 00

V = 12.0; Size 2.3'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 120d

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, weak concentration, diffuse outer halo. A mag 12.5 star is close off the north edge 1.2' from the center.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2763 = H III-275 = h560 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 371) and reported "vF, vS, bM, about 1/2' south of a small star." His position is 3' north of MCG -02-23-010 = PGC 25570. JH called this galaxy "eF; pL; has a small star just north, and four more preceding." His position and description is accurate.

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NGC 2764 = UGC 4794 = MCG +04-22-017 = CGCG 121-024 = PGC 25690

09 08 17.5 +21 26 37

V = 12.9; Size 1.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 15d

17.5" (1/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, weak concentration. Located between a mag 11.5 star 2.2' N and a mag 10.5 star 2.3' SSE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2764 = H III-236 = h557 on 16 Nov 1784 (sweep 318) and logged "eF, lE, between 2 pretty bright stars, verified with 240 power." His position is just off the southwest edge of UGC 4794. A faint double star 1' SE was noted by LdR on the single observation of 23 Feb 1857.

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NGC 2765 = UGC 4791 = MCG +01-24-001 = CGCG 033-061 = PGC 25646

09 07 36.6 +03 23 34

V = 12.1; Size 2.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 107d

17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, gradually brighter core but no sharp nucleus.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2765 = H II-520 = h558 on 27 Jan 1786 (sweep 512) and recorded "vF, mE, easily resolvable. May be a patch of stars; the weather being too hazy to observe it well." His position (Auwers' reduction) is 1.7' north of UGC 4791. JH described this galaxy as "vF; pL gbM, but not to a nucleus" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 2766 = UGC 4801 = MCG +05-22-009 = CGCG 151-014 = PGC 25735

09 08 47.6 +29 51 53

V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 132d

17.5" (4/6/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.4', slightly brighter roundish core. A wide pair of mag 13 stars follows (closer one is 1.6' E of center). Located 16' NE of mag 5.4 Tau Cancri.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2766 = St XIII-44 on 22 Mar 1884. His position matches UGC 4801 = PGC 25735.

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NGC 2767 = UGC 4813 = MCG +08-17-048 = CGCG 264-075 = PGC 25852

09 10 11.9 +50 24 05

V = 13.8; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 11.6; PA = 0d

18" (2/14/10): this galaxy forms the west vertex of a near equilateral triangle with NGC 2769 3.8' NE and NGC 2771 4.6' ESE. At 280x it appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.6' diameter, well concentrated with a very small bright core. NGC 2762 lies 2.9' WNW.

17.5" (4/5/97): first and smallest of trio with NGC 2769 and NGC 2771. Faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, even surface brightness. NGC 2762 3' NW not seen.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2767 = h556 on 8 Mar 1831 and recorded "eF; sbM to a * 15m; the first of 3 [with NGC 2769 and NGC 2771]." His position is 6 sec of RA east of UGC 4813, a similar offset as his positions for other two.

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NGC 2768 = UGC 4821 = MCG +10-13-065 = CGCG 288-026 = PGC 25915

09 11 37.6 +60 02 15

V = 9.9; Size 8.1'x4.3'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 95d

17.5" (3/28/92): very bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 E-W, faint halo extends to 3.0'x1.5' with averted. The halo increases to a very bright core with a high surface brightness and a stellar nucleus. Several bright stars are in the field including two mag 10 stars 3.5' WNW and 4.7' N of center.

8": fairly bright, elongated, bright core. Located 15' SE of a wide mag 8/9 pair.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2768 = H I-250 = h555 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 952) and logged "vB, cL, lE, large bright nucleus in the middle." His position (Caroline Herschel's reduction) is on the eastern side of the halo of UGC 4821.

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NGC 2769 = UGC 4816 = MCG +08-17-050 = CGCG 264-076 = PGC 25870

09 10 32.2 +50 26 01

V = 13.0; Size 1.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 146d

18" (2/14/10): at 280x, the northern member of a small group with NGC 2771, NGC 2767 and NGC 2762 appeared moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.3'x0.5'. Gradually increases to a bright core and small, brighter nucleus though there are no well defined zones.

17.5" (4/5/97): brightest of small trio with NGC 2771 3.4' SSE and NGC 2767 3.8' SW. Fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.5', brighter core.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2769 = h559 on 7 Mar 1831 (along with NGC 2771) and noted "not vF; lE; S; pslbM; 15"." The next night he added nearby NGC 2767. His mean position from two sweeps is 8 sec of RA east of UGC 4816.

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NGC 2770 = UGC 4806 = MCG +06-20-038 = CGCG 180-047 = Holm 111a = PGC 25806

09 09 33.6 +33 07 26

V = 12.2; Size 3.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 148d

17.5" (4/6/02): fairly faint but surprisingly large, nearly edge-on 7:2 NW-SE, 3.0'x0.9', weak broad concentration. Fairly low but uneven surface brightness with an impression of mottling. A mag 12 star is 2' N and a mag 13 star 1.7' NE of center.

NGC 2770 hosted three Type 1b supernovae in a 10-year period: SN 1999eh, SN 2007uy and SN 2008D

William Herschel discovered NGC 2770 = H II-490 = h562 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and logged "pF, pmE, resolvable, 3' long, 1.5' broad. South of 2 equals stars nearly in the meridian, and about 2' from each other." His position matches UGC 4801.

Bindon Stoney, observing on 20 Jan 1852 with LdR's 72", noted "F, L ray, 2 stars nearly parallel to it on n f side; suspect a bright streak down the middle." This galaxy has hosted 3 Type Ib supernovae over a 10 year period: SN 1999eh, SN 2007uy and SN 2008D.

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NGC 2771 = UGC 4817 = MCG +08-17-051 = CGCG 264-077 = PGC 25875

09 10 39.8 +50 22 47

V = 12.7; Size 2.2'x1.9'; Surf Br = 14.1

18" (2/14/10): moderately bright, elonated 2:1 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.6' (this is the brighter bar and I missed the lower surface brightness halo). Contains a well defined, small bright nucleus. This galaxy is slightly fainter than NGC 2769 3.4' NNW with a roughly perpendiclar orientation.

17.5" (4/5/97): the largest member of a small trio with NGC 2767 4.6' WNW and NGC 2769 3.4' NNW appears faint, round, 1.5' diameter with a fairly low surface brightness. Broad concentration with a very faint stellar nucleus with direct vision. Located 13' SW of mag 6.6 SAO 27165.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2771 = h561 on 7 Mar 1831 (along with NGC 2769) and logged "vF; S; lE; 10"." The next night he also recorded NGC 2767. His mean position (2 sweeps) is 8 sec of RA east and 1' south of UGC 4817, but the identification is certain.

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NGC 2772 = ESO 497-014 = MCG -04-22-002 = PGC 25654

09 07 41.9 -23 37 15

V = 13.4; Size 1.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 163d

17.5" (2/8/97): fairly faint, moderately bright, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, broad concentration with a bulging core and much fainter extensions. A mag 11.5 star lies 2.1' NNE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2772 = h3146 on 23 Jan 1835 and reported "eF, lE, lbM, rather a doubtful object." His position is 1.8' south of ESO 487-014.

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NGC 2773 = UGC 4815 = MCG +01-24-004 = CGCG 034-005 = PGC 25825

09 09 44.2 +07 10 25

V = 14.0; Size 0.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 83d

17.5" (3/29/89): very faint, very small, elongated E-W. Located just 1.2' W of a shallow arc of three stars mag 12.5/14/14 with 30" separation between the pairs. NGC 2775 lies 13' SE.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2773 = m 151 and noted "vF, S, lE." His position matches UGC 4815 = PGC 25825.

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NGC 2774 = MCG +03-24-004 = CGCG 091-015 = PGC 25879

09 10 40.0 +18 41 47

V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5

17.5" (3/12/94): faint, fairly small, appears elongated E-W but probably due to mag 15 star just off the west edge 24" from center, very weak concentration. Collinear with a mag 14 star 2.1' S and a mag 13.5 star 3.8' S.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2774 = H III-61 = h565 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181) and recorded "suspected a nebula with 157; 240 shewed 5 small stars with a little seeming nebulosity, of which however I still have some doubts; most probably a higher power would have shown them free from it." There is nothing at his position but JH found the nebula (CGCG 091-015 = PGC 25879) one degree north of his father's position. Ralph Copeland, confirmed the northern position with the 72" on 20 Feb 1873 and called it "eF, R, glbM *15m in Pos 266.8°, Dist 25.5". Finally, Stephan independently found the galaxy on 7 Feb 1877 and recorded it in list IX-19. The NGC position from Stephan and d'Arrest is accurate.

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NGC 2775 = UGC 4820 = MCG +01-24-005 = CGCG 034-006 = LGG 169-002 = PGC 25861

09 10 20.2 +07 02 16

V = 10.1; Size 4.3'x3.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 155d

17.5" (3/29/89): bright, very large, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, small very bright core, stellar nucleus, large faint halo. Near the edge of the field is NGC 2777 11' NNE (physical companion) and NGC 2773 13' NW (background galaxy).

13" (2/23/85): bright, fairly large, elongated NNW-SSE, bright core, stellar nucleus.

8": fairly bright, bright core, elongated.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2775 = H I-2 = h564 on 19 Dec 1783 (internal discovery #16 in sweep 57). His summary description from 5 sweeps reads "cB, cL, R, vgbM, with nucleus." JH recorded "vB; R; psbM; 2' diam; the hazy border perhaps extends further; resolvable??" Samuel Hunter, observing on LdR's 72" on 28 Mar 1861 also thought he could resolve this galaxy, reporting "R, vgbM like a glob. Cl, I see stars plainly at times."

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NGC 2776 = UGC 4838 = MCG +08-17-056 = CGCG 238-020 = PGC 25946

09 12 14.5 +44 57 19

V = 11.6; Size 3.0'x2.7'; Surf Br = 13.8

17.5" (3/16/96): moderately bright, moderately large, 1.5' diameter, round. Fairly even concentration with a large 1' core increasing to a 20" nucleus. A mag 11 star is 4' SSE. Located 9' NE of mag 7.6 SAO 42735.

8": faint, moderately large, 1.5' diameter, slightly elongated ~N-S, weak concentration. Located 8' NE of mag 7.5 SAO 42735.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2776 = h563 on 19 Mar 1828 and described "pB; vL; R; vgbM; resolvable; 3' diam." His position is accurate.

R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72" on 16 Feb 1858, noted "pL, mottled and suspect spiral.".

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NGC 2777 = UGC 4823 = MCG +01-24-006 = CGCG 034-008 = LGG 169-003 = PGC 25876

09 10 41.8 +07 12 23

V = 13.3; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.4

17.5" (3/29/89): faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus suspected. A mag 12 star is 2.0' NNE. NGC 2775, a physical companion, lies 11.4' SSW.

13" (2/23/85): faint, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, bright core, 11' NNE of NGC 2775.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2777 = m 152 on 6 Mar 1864 and noted "F, S". His position matches UGC 4823.

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NGC 2778 = UGC 4840 = MCG +06-20-043 = CGCG 180-054 = Holm 112a = PGC 25955

09 12 24.3 +35 01 39

V = 12.4; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 40d

17.5" (3/28/92): fairly faint, small, irregularly round, very small bright core, stellar nucleus with direct vision. Forms a close pair with NGC 2779 1.7' NNE with NGC 2780 in the field 7.3' SSE. An evenly matched pair of mag 10 stars (at 38" in PA ~90°) is located 5' NNE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2778 = H II-564 = h566 on 28 Mar 1786 (sweep 549) and noted "pB, S, R, mbM." His position is 6 sec of RA west of UGC 4840, within his usual margin of error. JH made 4 observations with size estimates of 20"-30". Brightest in a group (NGC 2779 discovered with the 72").

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NGC 2779 = MCG +06-20-044 = CGCG 180-055 = Holm 112b = PGC 25958

09 12 28.2 +35 03 12

V = 14.6; Size 0.7'x0.7'

17.5" (3/28/92): extremely faint, very small, round, can almost hold steadily with averted. Forms a close pair with NGC 2778 1.7' SSW. Faintest of three including NGC 2780. A wide evenly matched mag 10 pair at 38" separation is just 3.5' NE.

George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 2779 on 13 Mar 1850 with LdR's 72" and noted "a third neb [with NGC 2778 and NGC 2780], eF, found." The sketch clearly shows the three galaxies correctly positioned and a micrometric offset from NGC 2778 was measured in 1867.

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NGC 2780 = UGC 4843 = MCG +06-20-047 = CGCG 180-057 = PGC 25967

09 12 44.3 +34 55 32

V = 13.3; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 150d

17.5" (3/28/92): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 ~E-W, even surface brightness. A mag 12/13.5 double star at 15" separation in PA 90° is 1.8' WNW. Appears slightly larger than NGC 2778 7.3' NNW but has an lower surface brightness. This galaxy is the second brightest of three with NGC 2778 and NGC 2779.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2780 = H III-826 = h567 on 10 Mar 1790 (sweep 938) and called "vF, S, resolvable." His position (Caroline Herschel's reduction) is 2' south of UGC 4843. The previous nebula observed in the sweep was brighter NGC 2778, which had been discovered 28 Mar 1786.

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NGC 2781 = MCG -02-24-002 = PGC 25907

09 11 27.4 -14 49 01

V = 11.6; Size 3.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 75d

17.5" (2/8/97): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 E-W, 2.5'x1.4', sharp concentration with a prominent 40"x20" core. A mag 13 star lies 2' N. Located 8' NNE of mag 8.7 SAO 154982.

8": very faint, small, 1.0' diameter, weak concentration. Located within a group of stars.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2781 = H I-66 = h569 = h3147 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 371) and recorded "B, vS, iF, mbM." JH called it "pB; E in parallel; psbM; 60" length." and measured an accurate position. From the Cape of Good Hope, he recorded "B, E, psmbM, 40" l, 30" br."

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NGC 2782 = Arp 215 = UGC 4862 = MCG +07-19-036 = CGCG 209-031 = PGC 26034

09 14 05.2 +40 06 48

V = 11.6; Size 3.5'x2.6'; Surf Br = 13.9

18" (2/14/10): at 280x, appears fairly bright and sharply concentrated with a very bright round core, 40" diameter. The core is surrounded by a fairly large 2'-2.5' diameter halo. A faint star is situated 1.6' ENE of the core and an extremely low surface brightness hazy patch is just following. This patch is likely a detached outer section of a spiral arm or plume, caused by a earlier merger event.

17.5": moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, sharp concentration, stellar nucleus, slightly elongated fainter halo. A pair of mag 13 stars are 3' S and mag 9 SAO 42762 is 8.5' NNE.

8": faint, bright core, two mag 13 stars to the S, mag 9 star 5' N.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2782 = H I-167 = h568 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716) and recorded "cB, R, BN, about 1.5' dia." His position is 1.5' south of UGC 4862 = Arp 215. With the 72", Ralph Copeland described the galaxy as "B, pL, R, irregular, pgsmbMN."

Arp 215 is the result of a very unequal mass merger between two galaxies and contains extremely faint tidal tails.

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NGC 2783 = HCG 37A = UGC 4859 = MCG +05-22-019 = CGCG 151-027 = Holm 113a = PGC 26013

09 13 39.5 +29 59 34

V = 12.6; Size 2.1'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 168d

24" (2/9/13): dominant member of the HCG 37 quintet (3 members observed). At 375x appeared fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:3 N-S, well concentrated with a bright 25" core and large low surface brightness halo, extending 1.0'x0.6'. HCG 37C (faint, very small, round 12" diameter) is just off the NW edge (0.6' from center) and IC 2449 = HCG 37B is 1.5' NW. Situated 1.4' NE of a mag 9.8 star (1.1' pair with a mag 11 star further south).

17.5" (2/8/97): brightest of three galaxies visible in HCG 37. Fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, bright core. Two mag 9.5-10 stars lie 1.4' SW and 2.2' SSW. IC 2449 = UGC 4856 = HCG 37B is 1.5' WNW and just off the NW side is a marginal member HCG 37C, 36" from center.

17.5" (3/28/92): this is the brightest galaxy in the HCG 37 group. Moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, bright core. Two bright stars are close south; a mag 9.5 star is 1.5' SW and a mag 10 star 2.3' SSW. The multiple system NGC 2783B = UGC 4856 lies 1.5' WNW (not seen). Located 22' NW of NGC 2789.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2783 = H III-295 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 386) and reported "vF, vS, R, just N.f. 2 pB stars." CH's reduced position is 3' north-northeast of UGC 4859 = PGC 26013 and the description of the nearby stars matches. Bigourdan measured an accurate position (first reporting it as Big. 274). Member of the NGC 2789 group and brightest in HCG 37.

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NGC 2784 = ESO 497-023 = MCG -04-22-005 = UGCA 152 = PGC 25950

09 12 19.2 -24 10 18

V = 10.2; Size 5.5'x2.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 73d

17.5" (2/28/87): very bright, moderately large, very bright core with much fainter extensions, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, possibly a sharper edge along the north side. A mag 10.5 star is 3.7' E of center.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2784 = H I-59 = h571 = h3148 on 20 Nov 1784 (sweep 326) and noted "S, cBM but vF at the side, a very little E; the chevelure of the milky kind." JH recorded the galaxy as "pB; R; gbM; 25"." From the Cape of Good Hope he logged "B, L, mE, pgmbM, 4' l, 90" br, position = 63.7°."

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NGC 2785 = UGC 4876 = MCG +07-19-042 = CGCG 209-035 = PGC 26100

09 15 15.2 +40 55 04

V = 14.2; Size 1.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 120d

17.5" (4/6/02): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 1.3'x0.5'. Exhibits a weak, broad concentration and fades at the tips. A mag 14.5 star is close NNE [0.8' from center].

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2785 = St XIII-45 on 16 Mar 1884 and described "quite small, irregularly oval; elongated ESE-WNW; two very distinct points of condensation." His position matches UGC 4876.

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NGC 2786 = UGC 4861 = MCG +02-24-002 = CGCG 062-008 = PGC 26008

09 13 35.6 +12 26 27

V = 13.3; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 77d

17.5" (1/12/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated nearly 2:1 WSW-ENE, 0.7'x0.4', very small brighter core. There are a group of mag 11/12 stars at the NW edge of the 220x field.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2786 = m 153 on 5 Apr 1864 and noted "vF, vS, mbM". There is nothing near his position. Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel Nebel" states "in Dreyer's place not found" but he proposes NGC 2786 = UGC 4861, which is located 18' north and 20 sec of RA west of Marth's position. There are no other nearby candidates, but with the large positional discrepancy, this identification is uncertain. Dorothy Carlson simply states "not found" based on Reinmuth's comment and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7). UGC 4861 is not identified as NGC 2786 in the major galaxy catalogues and is plotted as UGC 4861 on U2000.0 version 2.

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NGC 2787 = UGC 4914 = MCG +12-09-039 = CGCG 332-041 = PGC 26341

09 19 18.5 +69 12 11

V = 10.8; Size 3.2'x2.0'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 117d

17.5" (4/6/91): bright, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 2.0'x1.5', even concentration to a small very bright core. A mag 14 star is at the SE edge of the halo 0.9' from the center.

8": fairly faint, small, bright core. A mag 7 star is 25' NE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2787 = H I-216 = h570 on 3 Dec 1788 (sweep 890) and recorded "p or cB, pL, iF." On 8 Nov 1801 (sweep 1100) he noted "vB, R, mbB, seems to be resolvable. Towards the sf, within the nebulosity, is a vS star." His position is ~10' southeast of UGC 4914. JH reported "F; E in parallel; psbM; 30"." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 2788 = ESO 061-002 = PGC 25761

09 09 03.5 -67 55 57

V = 12.3; Size 1.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 11.8; PA = 114d

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): excellent fairly bright edge-on, fairly large, elongated 4:1 WNW-ESE, 1.4'x0.35', very weak cocnentration. A faint star is just off the south side, 19" from the center. I had the impression there was a sharper light cut-off on the south side, but was not convinced.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2788 = h3150 on 29 Jan 1835 and recorded "vF; vS; mE in pos 105°." His position is 30 sec west of ESO 061-002 but the description matches perfectly.

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NGC 2789 = NGC 3167 = UGC 4875 = MCG +05-22-026 = CGCG 151-035 = PGC 26089

09 14 59.7 +29 43 48

V = 13.1; Size 1.9'x1.9'

17.5" (3/28/92): fairly faint, small, round, weak concentration, fairly faint stellar nucleus. Slightly fainter than NGC 2783 22' NW, although the listed magnitude is brighter.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2789 = St XIII-45 on 13 Mar 1883. His position matches UGC 4875. Brightest in a group.

NGC 3167, found by d'Arrest, is probably a duplicate observation. See that number.

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NGC 2790 = MCG +03-24-016 = CGCG 091-034 = Mrk 1228 = PGC 26092

09 15 02.8 +19 41 49

V = 14.4; Size 0.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.2

17.5" (3/12/94): very faint, very small, round, only 15"-20" diameter, weakly concentrated to a very small brighter core. Located 1.3' SE of a mag 10.5 star which forms a wide unequal double with a 14th magnitude companion 24" N.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2790 on 17 Feb 1865 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "vF, S, R, lbM." His position matches CGCG 091-034 = PGC 26092.

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NGC 2791 = CGCG 091-033 = PGC 26088

09 15 02.0 +17 35 32

V = 14.7; Size 0.8'x0.3'; PA = 160d

17.5" (1/28/89): extremely faint and small, round. Forms a close "double" with a mag 15 star just 21" E of center. First in a group with the NGC 2794/NGC 2795 pair 14' E.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2791 on 21 Dec 1863 and noted "F, R". His position matches CGCG 091-033 = PGC 26088.

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NGC 2792 = PK 265+4.1 = ESO 314-PN6 = PN G265.7+04.1

09 12 26.6 -42 25 41

V = 11.8; Size 18"

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 350x this high surface brightness planetary appeared very bright, small, round, 15"-20" in diameter. It appeared annular with a brighter rim, although the the inner edge of the annulus was not well defined. A wide pair of mag 11 stars lies 4' SE.

13.1" (4/10/86): moderately bright planetary, small, round, no central star. A pair of mag 11 stars at 36" separation is located 4' SE. Very far southern object for observation from Northern California.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2792 = h3149 on 2 Mar 1835 and recorded "pF, exactly round, equal to a star 9th mag, but of a dull light. At first I was inclined to think it double, but with 320 it exhibited a uniform round disc; nor did a friend to whom I showed it see any division. Stars to-night perfectly well defined. In a field with leading stars, or which a diagram was made." On a later sweep he noted "Viewed past meridian. It occurs in a field with about 40 stars. Diameter 4" or 5" at the utmost; 10" is too large certainly. Very like that of sweep 771 [NGC 2452]. But now the night is good and it bears magnifying. With 320 power the disc is dilated into a dim hazy round nebula; yet there is a peculiarity in its appearance which completely separates it from all nebulae of the same size. A very remarkable object."

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NGC 2793 = UGC 4894 = MCG +06-21-002 = CGCG 181-006 = PGC 26189

09 16 47.2 +34 25 47

V = 13.1; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3

48" (4/4/11): 375x and 488x provided a fascinating view of NGC 2793, a collisional ring galaxy. It appeared as a fairly faint, moderately large roundish glow, ~0.8' diameter, with a well defined edge. The rim was slightly brighter along the north side, giving a partial annular or ring-like appearance [the SDSS image resolves this brighter rim into a series of small HII knots or star-forming regions. The likely companion galaxy or intruder is visible along the east side of the rim as a fairly bright small glow of high surface brightness, elongated 2:1 N-S, ~15"x8", mottled appearance. The actual nucleus of the ring galaxy is perhaps situated at the north end of the disrupting galaxy. A 15" pair of mag 10 stars (h2491) lies 5' N. NGC 2793 is located 8' WNW of mag 9.7 PPM 74387.

LEDA 82356 = 2MASX J09164092+3426511, a background galaxy, is located just 1.7' NW. It appeared faint, small, round, ~15" diameter, low even surface brightness.

13.1" (1/28/84): very faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, low even surface brightness. Located 53' W of Alpha Lyncis (V = 3.1).

John Herschel discovered NGC 2793 = h572 on 6 Mar 1828 and reported "vF; R; has a double star 5' north; 1 sec preceding." His position and description matches the ring galaxy UGC 4893.

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NGC 2794 = UGC 4885 = MCG +03-24-018 = CGCG 091-037 = PGC 26140

09 16 01.8 +17 35 23

V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.4

17.5" (1/28/89): fairly faint, small, round, weak concentration. Forms a close pair with NGC 2795 2.4' NNE. NGC 2791 lies 14' W.

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2794, along with NGC 2797 and an independent discovery of nearby NGC 2795, on 15 Mar 1866. His position matches UGC 4885 = PGC 26140.

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NGC 2795 = UGC 4887 = MCG +03-24-020 = CGCG 091-039 = PGC 26143

09 16 03.9 +17 37 42

V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 170d

17.5" (1/28/89): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 2794 2.4' SSW and NGC 2797 lies 6' NNE.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2795 = m 156 on 21 Dec 1863 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "F, R". d'Arrest independently found it again on 15 Mar 1866, along with nearby NGC 2794 and 2797.

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NGC 2796 = UGC 4893 = MCG +05-22-029 = CGCG 151-042 = Holm 115a = PGC 26178

09 16 41.8 +30 54 57

V = 13.8; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 80d

17.5" (4/6/02): fairly faint, slightly elongated, 0.8'x0.6', slightly brighter core, occasional stellar nucleus. A close pair of mag 15 "stars" are 1' WSW of center - one of these is actually the compact galaxy PGC 3088981. A similar galaxy just off the east side of the galaxy was not noted or assumed to be another faint star.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2796 = H III-296 = h573 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 386) and noted "vF, S, R, lbM." His position is 1' south of UGC 4893. JH commented this nebula was "the faintest conceivable."

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NGC 2797 = UGC 4891 = MCG +03-24-023 = CGCG 091-042 = PGC 26160

09 16 21.7 +17 43 38

V = 14.3; Size 0.5'x0.4'

17.5" (1/28/89): faint, very small, round, even surface brightness. Forms the east vertex of an isosceles triangle with a pair of mag 12 stars 3' WSW and 3' WNW. Forms a pair with NGC 2795 6' SSW in a group.

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2797, along with NGC 2794 and an independent discovery of NGC 2795, on 15 Mar 1866. His single position is 5 seconds of time west of UGC 4891. The noted the nebula formed a quadrilateral with 3 mag 16 stars (the stars are several mags brighter).

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NGC 2798 = Arp 283 NED1 = VV 50a = KTG 22B = UGC 4905 = MCG +07-19-055 = CGCG 209-045 = Holm 117a = PGC 26232

09 17 22.8 +42 00 00

V = 12.3; Size 2.6'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 160d

48" (4/6/13): very bright, large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 2.0'x1.0'. Sharply concentrated with a very bright, large core increasing to a small, intense nucleus. A very large spiral arm extends to the NNW from the core and curves back sharply at the end counterclockwise to the SSE, fading rapidly to a very low surface brightness and dimmng out before reaching the core. The SSE extension has an extremely low surface brightness and no arm structure was visible. Forms an interacting pair with NGC 2799 1.5' ESE.

24" (3/9/13): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.7'x0.7', fairly sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases to a small, intense nucleus. The extension (spiral arm) to the northwest is brighter. Forms a striking double system (Arp 283) with NGC 2799 1.5' ESE. UGC 4904 lies 5' S and appears as a fairly faint glow, slightly elongated NW-SE, 25"x20", weak concentration. The trio forms KTG 22.

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, very small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star is 1.6' NNE of center. Forms a double system (interacting) with NGC 2799 1.5' ESE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2798 = H II-708 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 797) and noted "pB, S, stellar." His position is 3.5' too far southeast. Nearby NGC 2799 was first seen at Birr Castle.

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NGC 2799 = Arp 283 NED2 = VV 50b = UGC 4909 = MCG +07-19-056 = CGCG 209-046 = Holm 117b = PGC 26238

09 17 31.0 +41 59 38

V = 13.8; Size 1.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 125d

48" (4/6/13): fairly bright, very thin edge-on, 6:1 NW-SE, 1.4'x0.25'. The disc is slightly warped, bending south slightly near the tips of both extensions. The galaxy is also asymmetric, with the NW end stretched out towards the core of NGC 2798. With careful viewing, an extremely faint tidal tail appears pulled out in the direction of the companion and it fades out just east of the core.

24" (3/9/13): moderately bright and large, very elongated 4:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.25', brighter along a very thin streak of the major axis. Forms a 1.5' interacting pair (Arp 283) with brighter and larger NGC 2798.

17.5" (4/6/91): faint, small, elongated 3:1 NW-SE, low even surface brightness. Forms a very close (interacting) pair with NGC 2798 1.5' WNW.

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 2799 on 9 Mar 1874 using LdR's 72", while observing NGC 2798. He recorded "F, cL, vmE 125.9°, pos 102.7°, dist 97.9" from [NGC 2798] or 8.7s f, 21.5" s. The offsets and description are a perfect match with UGC 4909. The NGC position is offset to the southeast as Dreyer used WH's poor position for NGC 2798.

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NGC 2800 = UGC 4920 = MCG +09-15-117 = CGCG 264-094 = PGC 26302

09 18 35.2 +52 30 52

V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 15d

17.5" (3/8/97): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 40"x30". Contains a very small, slightly brighter core. Unusual appearance as a mag 12 star is attached on the NW flank 15" from the center. Located 3.7' NW of mag 9 SAO 27206.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2800 = H III-832 = h574 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 945) and noted "vF, S, lE." His position is just 1' NW of UGC 4920. JH described "a star with vF neb attached, in which is involved another star 10" dist." The other "star" is probably the nucleus of NGC 2800 with the superimposed star at the northwest side just 15" separation.

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NGC 2801 = UGC 4899 = MCG +03-24-025 = PGC 26183

09 16 44.1 +19 56 00

V = 14.0; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 14.0

18" (3/4/08): very faint, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, very low surface brightness glow with little or no concentration. Located 4' SW of a mag 9.9 star in the NGC 2804/2809 group

18" (2/9/08): extremely faint, small, round, 25" diameter, low surface brightness and required averted. Located 4.4' SW of a mag 10 star in the NGC 2804 group.

18" (3/11/07): extremely faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 0.6'x0.45', low even surface brightness, requires averted to glimpse. Member of the NGC 2809 group and located 4.5' SW of *10 and 9.7' SW of NGC 2809.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2801 = m 157 on 17 Feb 1865 and noted "eF, pL". His position is 1' south of UGC 4899 = PGC 26183.

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NGC 2802 = UGC 4897 = MCG +03-24-026 = CGCG 091-044nw = PGC 26177

09 16 41.4 +18 57 48

V = 14.5; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 14.1

17.5" (1/28/89): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration. Almost in contact with NGC 2803 30" ESE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2802 = H III-62 = h575 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181) and recorded "Two [with NGC 2803]; vF, pS, R, r, both rather bright middle. 240 shewed them of a considerable diameter; both are nearly in the same meridian." His position is ~30 sec of RA west of this pair. Henrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position that was used in the NGC position.

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NGC 2803 = UGC 4898 = MCG +03-24-027 = CGCG 091-044se = PGC 26181

09 16 43.9 +18 57 16

V = 14.3; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.7

17.5" (1/28/89): very faint, small, round, weak concentration. Slightly larger than NGC 2802 which forms a double system just 30" WNW.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2803 = H III-63 = h575 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181) and recorded "Two [with NGC 2802]; vF, pS, R, r, both rather bright middle. 240 shewed them of a considerable diameter; both are nearly in the same meridian."

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NGC 2804 = UGC 4901 = MCG +03-24-028 = CGCG 091-047 = IC 2455: = PGC 26196

09 16 50.0 +20 11 55

V = 12.9; Size 2.2'x2.0'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 60d

18" (3/4/08): moderately bright and large, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 1.2'x0.9', weak concentration with a very small brighter core. This galaxy and NGC 2809 are the brightest in a group of 6 NGC galaxies and several fainter members (AWM 1).

18" (2/9/08): fairly faint to moderately bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 WSW-ENE, bright core, very faint ill-defined halo, 1.2'x0.9'. Brightest in a poor group along with NGC 2804 located 8.7' SE. The additional NGC members are NGC 2790, 2801, 2807, 2809, 2812 and 2813.

17.5" (3/12/94): moderately bright, fairly small, round, halo is weakly concentrated, very small bright core, stellar nucleus. Located between two mag 13 stars 1.6' N and 2.4' S. Brightest in a group with NGC 2809 8.6' SSE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2804 = h577 on 24 Feb 1827 and recorded "vF; S; R; the np of two [with NGC 2809]. His position matches UGC 4901.

Stephane Javelle catalogued 3-1087 (later IC 2455) exactly 5' south of NGC 2804 on 9 Apr 1896 with the 30" refractor at the Nice Observatory. There is nothing at his position and Harold Corwin suggests that Javelle made a recording error and NGC 2804 = IC 2455, despite Javelle mentioning he also saw NGC 2804.

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NGC 2805 = UGC 4936 = MCG +11-12-003 = CGCG 312-002 = Holm 124b = LGG 173-1 = PGC 26410

09 20 20.4 +64 06 10

V = 11.0; Size 6.3'x4.8'; Surf Br = 14.6; PA = 125d

24" (2/22/14): moderately bright, very large, contains a 30" brighter core and a huge halo extending up to 4'x3' NW-SE. The halo has a fairly low surface brightness but is slightly mottled, hinting of HII regions [SDSS shows a string of HII knots along the outer southern arm]. A mag 12.5 star is just off the NW edge of the halo and a mag 14 star is on the NE side. Largest in a group (LGG 173) including the trio NGC 2814, IC 2458 and NGC 2820, roughly 10' NE.

17.5" (4/6/91): faint, large, irregularly round, very low surface brightness, weak concentration but no nucleus. Located at the west end of a string of 7 mag 13-14 stars. Several brighter stars are in the field including mag 9 SAO 14844 6.5' NNW and a mag 10 star 4.4' SE. Largest of four in a group including NGC 2814 11' NE, NGC 2820 and IC 2458 13' NE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2805 = H III-878 on 2 Apr 1791 (sweep 1000) and recorded "vF, cL, R, vF, mbM. I suppose it to be near 5' in diam but is so faint on the outside that it is difficult to determine its extent." His position and description matches UGC 4936 = PGC 26410.

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NGC 2806

09 16 56.7 +20 04 14

18" (3/4/08): this number refers to a single mag 14.5 star 2.4' W of NGC 2809.

18" (2/9/08): this mag 14.5 star was mistakenly thought to be possibly nebulous by Dreyer. At 225x it appeared clearly as a faint star. Located 2.4' W of NGC 2809 and a similar distance NNW of NGC 2807. NGC 2806 is incorrectly identified as MCG +03-24-030 in RNGC, MCG and PGC.

Dreyer discovered NGC 2806 using Lord Rosse's 72" on 22 March 1876 and recorded "A vF * or cS, eF neb p [NGC 2809] (sky bad), forming an equilateral triangle with [2807] and [2809] (susp as neb by d'A, = [NGC 2806])." At his position is a mag 14.5 star at 09 16 56.7 +20 04 14 (2000). This star forms an equilateral triangle with NGC 2807 and NGC 2809 and lies due west of NGC 2809. Since his descriptions and offsets for other objects in the field are exact, there is no mistaking the identity of NGC 2806 as a single star. Dreyer noted that d'Arrest also suspected this star to be nebulous on 17 Feb 1862.

RNGC, MCG, Deep Sky Field Guide and Uranometria 2000 Atlas misidentify MCG +03-24-030 as NGC 2806. MCG +03-24-030 is situated just preceding the south edge of NGC 2806. It was visible in my 18-inch although it was not recorded by Dreyer (he noted the sky was bad). Discussed in my RNGC Corrections #7 and Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 2807 = MCG +03-24-031 = CGCG 091-051ne = PGC 26213

09 17 00.6 +20 02 10

V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.55'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 165d

18" (3/4/08): faint, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 24"x20", weak concentration. Located 2.4' SW of NGC 2809 in a group. Forms a close pair with NGC 2807A = MCG +03-24-030 just 50" WSW. The companion appeared very faint, very small, round, 15".

18" (2/9/08): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 25"x18", weak concentration. Second faintest of a close trio with brighter NGC 2809 2.4' NNE and fainter NGC 2807A 50" SW. Member of the NGC 2804 group.

17.5" (3/12/94): very faint, very small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, weakly concentrated. Located 2.5' SSW of NGC 2809 in a group with a mag 10 star 3.3' S. At moments, an extremely faint companion possibly elongated E-W is barely visible just west of the south edge (separation 49"). This fainter component of the double system NGC 2807 is incorrectly identified as NGC 2806 in the RNGC, MCG, U2000.

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2807 on 17 Feb 1863 while observing NGC 2809. He noted h578 [NGC 2809] follows by 7 seconds in time and 115" north. His position (measured on 4 nights) and description matches MCG +03-24-031 = PGC 26213. Several sources such as RNGC, MCG, Uranometria 2000.0 and Deep Sky Field Guide misidentify MCG +03-24-030 (just 50" WSW) as NGC 2807. d'Arrest did not mention this galaxy. UGC and CGCG have the correct identification (noted as a double system). Megastar mislabels NGC 2807 as NGC 2806.

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NGC 2808 = ESO 091-SC001 = Mel 95

09 12 02.6 -64 51 46

V = 6.1; Size 13.8'; Surf Br = 0.7

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x, this was a stunning showpiece globular in the 24"! The central region displays an unusually strong concentration with a super-intense 2' core that was unresolved. A very bright, small halo surrounds the core that is mottled but mostly unresolved. The outer halo resolved into perhaps 150-200 stars mag 14.5 and fainter. The halo gradually thins out in resolved stars out to 10' diameter. The core was smaller but still unresolved at 350x. The overall appearance of the three brightness levels mentioned above is unusually symmetrical.

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x, this bright globular (ranked 10th brightest at V = 6.1) is fairly large, ~10' diameter and very compressed with a blazing 2' core. The halo is noticeably elongated, nearly 3:2. A dense swarm of mag 14 and fainter stars are resolved in the halo and around the edges of the core but the inner central core was unresolved. At 228x, there appeared to be some very faint stars lanes streaming into the halo, which were barely unresolved but looked like small tentacles. A mag 10/10.6 double at 16" is outside the cluster ~10' ESE. This is by far the brightest concentration class I globular and the only one easily resolved.

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): this very bright globular is large and elongated, ~8'x6' SW-NE increasing to 2' bright core and a blazing 40" nucleus. At 144x, this cluster is mottled but with no obvious resolution. At 166x a large number of extremely faint stars (mag 14-15) pop in and out of view over the entire disc, though the resolved stars could not be held steadily. Located 1.8° NNE of mag 4.0 Alpha Volantis.

Naked-eye (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): faintly visible naked-eye.

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2808 = D265 = h3152on 7 May 1826 and recorded "a very bright round nebula, about 3' or 4' diameter, very gradually bright to the centre. This has a fine globular appearance." His position is 20' too far northwest, but the identity is certain.

JH recorded 4 detailed observations from the Cape of Good Hope: On the first sweep (8 Mar 1834) he logged it as a "globular cluster, extremely compressed pretty gradually very much brighter to the middle; up to a perfect blaze; diam. in RA = 26.8 seconds; stars of 16th magnitude." His final observation (9 Feb 1837) notes "a truly beautiful and delicate globular cluster; diameter in RA = 45 seconds, that of the most compressed part 15 seconds; gradually very bright in the middle; all finely resolved into perfectly equal stars like the finest dust, which are seen with the left eye without effort, but the right requires to be somewhat strained to discern them. Runs up to a blaze in the centre."

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NGC 2809 = UGC 4910 = MCG +03-24-033 = CGCG 091-054 = PGC 26220

09 17 06.9 +20 04 11

V = 13.0; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.3

18" (3/4/08): moderately bright and large, slightly elongated ~N-S, 0.9'x0.7', gradually increases to a small bright core and faint stellar nucleus. Brightest in a group (AWM 1) containing NGC 2801, NGC 2804, NGC 2807, NGC 2812, NGC 2813 and a few fainter galaxies. The nearest two are NGC 2807 2.4' SW and CGCG 91-055 5' N.

18" (2/9/08): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, 0.8'x0.65', weak even concentration to a small brighter core and faint stellar nucleus. NGC 2807 lies 2.4' SW and NGC 2807A is 3.2' SW. Located 4.5' W of a 26" pair of mag 11 stars and 3' SSE of a mag 10.5 star. Brightest in a poor cluster along with NGC 2804.

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1' diameter, even moderate concentration down to very small bright core, faint stellar nucleus at moments. Located 2.9' SSE of a mag 10 star. A wide double star lies 4.5' W (mag 11/12 at 26"). Brightest in a group with NGC 2807 2.5' SSW and NGC 2804 8.6' NNW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2809 = h578 on 24 Feb 1827, along with NGC 2804, and noted "vF; S; R; the s f of two, distant 8'." His position was marked as uncertain, but is is a good match with UGC 4910. He missed nearby NGC 2807, which was discovered by d'Arrest.

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NGC 2810 = UGC 4954 = MCG +12-09-042 = CGCG 332-045 = PGC 26514

09 22 04.5 +71 50 38

V = 12.2; Size 1.7'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.4

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2810 = H III-749 on 3 Dec 1788 (sweep 890) and noted as "cF, vS." His position is 2.7' S of UGC 4954, but the identification is certain.

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NGC 2811 = MCG -03-24-003 = UGCA 155 = PGC 26151

09 16 11.1 -16 18 46

V = 11.3; Size 2.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.0; PA = 20d

18" (3/30/05): the first object I took a look at was SN 2005am in NGC 2811 discovered on February 22, 2005. The SN peaked near mag 13.5, but now appears significantly fainter. Coincidentally, the SN makes a very close pair with a brighter mag 14.5 star (less than 10"). Generally only this star was visible, but occasionally I could see a fainter companion close NE.

13.1" (12/22/84): moderately bright, edge-on streak 4:1 SSW-NNE, brighter core, stellar nucleus. A faint mag 14.5 star is embedded in the NE tip 0.6' from center.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2811 = H II-505 = h580 = h3151 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and recorded "pB, S, lE from sp to nf, suddenly mbM." JH called it (from Slough) "pB; E to n f; psbM; 60"." Observing at the Cape, JH wrote "pB; mE; psvmbM; 40" l." In the LdR observations, the star at the northeast edge was mentioned twice.

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NGC 2812 = CGCG 091-060 = PGC 26242

09 17 40.8 +19 55 08

V = 14.9; Size 0.55'x0.15'; Surf Br = 11.5; PA = 154d

18" (3/4/08): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated, 0.3'x0.2'. This difficult galaxy is located just 1.3' NW of NGC 2813 in the NGC 2804/2809 group.

18" (2/9/08): very faint, small, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 0.5'x0.15'. Located 2' NNE of mag 9 SAO 80743 and 1.3' NW of brighter NGC 2813 in a galaxy group.

18" (3/11/07): extremely faint, very small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.4x0.2. Forms a close pair with brighter NGC 2813 and situated just 1.3' NW. A mag 9 star lies 2' SSW and greatly detracts from viewing.

17.5" (3/12/94): not seen.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2812 = m 158 on 17 Feb 1865, along with NGC 2813, and simply noted "eF". His position is 1' north of CGCG 091-060.

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NGC 2813 = UGC 4916 = MCG +03-24-037 = CGCG 091-061 = PGC 26252

09 17 45.4 +19 54 24

V = 14.0; Size 1.3'x1.1'; PA = 145d

18" (3/4/08): faint, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration, very small brighter core, faint stellar nucleus with direct vision. Located 2' NE mag 9.2 star that detracts from viewing. Close pair with fainter NGC 2812.

18" (2/9/08): faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter, very weak concentration to a small brighter core. Located 2' NE of mag 9 SAO 80743 and brighter of a close pair with NGC 2812 1.3' NW. Member of the NGC 2809 Group.

18" (3/11/07): faint, fairly small, round, small bright core, 0.6' diameter. Forms a pair with NGC 2812 just 1.3' NW (see observing notes). Located 2' NE of mag 9.2 that detracts from the observations.

17.5" (3/12/94): very faint, round, very low surface brightness halo difficult to view. At first glance, only the core was noticed with a tiny quasi-stellar nucleus. Overpowered by mag 9.0 SAO 80743 2.0' SW. Forms a pair with NGC 2812 at 1.3' NW (not seen). Located 13' SE of NGC 2809 in a group.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2813 = m 159 on 17 Feb 1865, along with NGC 2812, and simply noted "F". His position is 1.5' north of CGCG 091-060.

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NGC 2814 = UGC 4952 = MCG +11-12-004 = CGCG 312-003 = KTG 23A = Holm 124c = LGG 173-2 = PGC 26469

09 21 11.5 +64 15 06

V = 13.7; Size 1.2'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 179d

24" (2/22/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, moderately large, thin edge-on 3:1 or 4:1 N-S, 1.0'x0.25', bright core bulges slightly, tapers at the tips (spindle-shaped). A mag 11.4 star is 1.1' SSW of center, just off the southern tip. Forms a striking pair with edge-on NGC 2820 4' E, along with IC 2458. NGC 2805 lies 10' SW.

17.5" (4/6/91): faint, small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, almost even surface brightness. A mag 11 star is 20" off the south tip and 1.1' SSW of center. This galaxy is smaller but has a higher surface brightness than NGC 2820 4' E. Located 11' NE of NGC 2805 in a group.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2814 = H II-868 = h576 on 3 Apr 1791 (sweep 1004) and recorded both as "Two nebulae. The first [NGC 2814] F, S, iF, the second [NGC 2820] F, pL, E. The place is that of the second [NGC 2820], the other precedes it about 30 seconds and is nearly in the same parallel." Dreyer commented in the notes section "Not seen by d'Arrest, and [John Herschel] only observed the following one (II.869)." Dreyer assigned h576 to NGC 2820 but John Herschel's position corresponds with NGC 2814, and h579 = NGC 2816 is identical to H II-869 = NGC 2820 (see notes on NGC 2816).

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NGC 2815 = ESO 497-032 = MCG -04-22-006 = UGCA 156 = PGC 26157

09 16 19.6 -23 38 00

V = 11.9; Size 3.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 10d

17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, fairly large, broadly concentrated halo, faint extensions SSW-NNE, fairly low surface brightness.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2815 = H III-242 = h3153 on 20 Nov 1784 (sweep 326) and recorded "vF, lE, S, that is about 1' diameter." From the Cape of Good Hope, JH called it "F, R, or vlE, glbM, 25"." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 2816 = NGC 2820 = UGC 4961 = MCG +11-12-006 = CGCG 312-005 = KTG 23C = FGC 877 = Holm 124A = LGG 173-3 = PGC 26498

09 21 45.6 +64 15 29

V = 12.8; Size 4.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 59d

See observing notes for NGC 2820.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2816 = h579 on 30 Mar 1832 and noted, "F, pmE". There is nothing at his position and Bigourdan was unable to find a suitable candidate. Karl Reinmuth reported "not found at Dreyer's place" based on Heidelberg plates and this is repeated by Dorothy Carlson in her 1940 paper on NGC corrections.

Harold Corwin originally suggested this number might be a duplicate observation of NGC 2742 with a 13 min error in RA (identical declination). But Wolfgang Steinicke found (based on my questioning of h576) that JH made a large error (of 3 3/4 degrees) in reducing his declination for h579, and once corrected, h579 = NGC 2816 is a duplicate observation of NGC 2820 (discovered earlier by WH). In addition, h576 refers to nearby NGC 2814 = UGC 4952 (also discovered by WH). See Corwin's note for the full story.

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NGC 2817 = MCG -01-24-006 = PGC 26223

09 17 10.5 -04 45 09

V = 12.6; Size 2.0'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.8

17.5" (3/25/95): faint, moderately large, 1.4' diameter. Low surface brightness with a very weak concentration.

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2817 = Sw VI-35 on 26 Mar 1887. His position is 10 tsec of RA east and 1' north of MCG -01-24-006 = PGC 26223.

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NGC 2818 = PK 261+8.1 = ESO 372-PN13 = Hb 2 = PN G261.9+08.5 = AM 0914-362

09 16 01.5 -36 37 37

V = 11.5; Size 85"x47"

17.5" (3/25/00): NGC 2818 refers to both an open cluster and a superimposed planetary nebula (identified as NGC 2818A in the RNGC). The moderately bright PN is nestled on the west side of a faint but fairly rich open cluster. At 220x it appears moderately bright, irregularly shaped, ~1.0'x0.8' and elongated roughly N-S. Excellent view at 280x with a UHC filter and unfiltered at 380x. The rim is irregularly brighter giving a weak annular appearance. Appears brightest at the south and southwest rim. The center is slightly darker but there is no well-defined central hole. The outline is not crisp and seems to change orientation somewhat with averted vision.

13.1" (4/10/86): the cluster appears as a faint group of 25-30 stars mag 12 to 15, over unresolved haze, though good seeing might resolve more. Includes a fairly faint planetary (NGC 2818A) on the west side. At 166x using a Daystar 300 filter, the planetary appeared moderately bright and large, elongated ~N-S. Also responds well to an OIII filter at 79x.

13.1 (1/28/84): the cluster is a faint group of two dozen stars mag 12 and fainter. The planetary on the west side of the cluster is a pretty sight using a UHC filiter at 79x. It appeared fairly faint, moderately large, 1.0'x0.8', elongated N-S or SSW-NNE.

The planetary had been assumed to be the only one to be physically associated with an open cluster, although recent research firmly places the planetary in the foreground.

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2818 = D 564 = h3154 on May 28 1826 and recorded a "pretty large faint nebula [star cluster] of a round figure, 6' or 8' diameter; the nebulosity is faintly diffused to a considerable extent. There is a small nebula [PN] in the north preceding edge, which is probably a condensation of the faint diffused nebulous matter; The large nebula is resolvable into stars with small nebula remaining." His position is 15' southwest of the planetary.

JH recorded on 7 Aug 1837 (sweep 787): "A very curious object which reminds me strongly of M46 and IV. 39 [NGC 2438]. It is a rich cluster of the VI class, stars 12..14m; about 8' dia, gpmbM; all but a sort of vacuity, in which is situated a pB, R, neb; 40" diam; of a character approaching to planetary, having its edges shading off very rapidly, and being but very little brighter in the middle." His sketch is on plate V, figure 8 on the CGH Observations. A second observation on 22 Jan 1838 (sweep 809) describes the planetary first and the NGC summary refers to the planetary (in a large cluster). So the number NGC 2818 could apply to the planetary or the cluster. RNGC refers to the cluster as NGC 2818 and the planetary as NGC 2818A.

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NGC 2819 = UGC 4924 = MCG +03-24-040 = CGCG 091-062 = PGC 26274

09 18 09.3 +16 11 53

V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4

17.5" (3/29/89): very faint, very small, round, small bright core, fairly faint stellar nucleus.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2819 = m160 on 21 Dec 1863 and noted "pB, vS, R." Johann Palisa independently found this galaxy on 2 Apr 1886 with the 27-inch Grubb refractor at the Vienna University Observatory. Palisa's micrometric position in AN 2783 is accurate. Both Marth and Palisa are credited in the NGC.

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NGC 2820 = NGC 2816 = UGC 4961 = MCG +11-12-006 = CGCG 312-005 = KTG 23C = FGC 877 = Holm 124a = LGG 173-003 = PGC 26498

09 21 45.6 +64 15 29

V = 12.8; Size 4.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 59d

24" (2/22/14): fairly bright, very large, very thin edge-on 7:1 WSW-ENE, ~2.8'x0.4', very weak concentration, mottled appearance though the surface brightness is not high.  NGC 2820A dangles just south of the west-southwest edge. It appeared faint, small, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE, 18"x12", occasional stellar nucleus. NGC 2814, a smaller edge-on, lies 3.7' W.

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, very thin edge-on 6:1 SW-NE with tapered ends, fairly low surface brightness, no noticeable core.  Forms a contact pair with NGC 2820A 20" off the southwest tip.  The companion is very faint, very small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, very small brighter core.  NGC 2820 is in a group with NGC 2814 4' W and NGC 2805 13' SW.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2820 = H II-869 on 3 Apr 1791 (sweep 1004) and recorded both as "Two nebulae. The first [NGC 2814] F, S, iF, the second [NGC 2820] F, pL, E. The place is that of the second, the other precedes it about 30 seconds and is nearly in the same parallel." Dreyer equated John Herschel's observation of h576 with H II-869 = NGC 2820, but his sweep data (checked by Wolfgang Steinicke) reveals h 576 = H II-868 = NGC 2814. In addition, h579 = NGC 2816 is identical to NGC 2820, with JH making a 3 3/4 error in reducing the position for h579. IC 2458, found by Guillaume Bigourdan on 14 Mar 1899, refers to the northeastern end of this galaxy and not the close companion NGC 2820A off the southwest end that is generally identified as IC 2458.

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NGC 2821 = ESO 497-034 = MCG -04-22-007 = PGC 26192

09 16 48 -26 49 00

V = 13.0; Size 2.0'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 100d

17.5" (3/25/95): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 E-W, broad weak concentration. A mag 13 star is attached just NW of the center. A faint very close double star lies 1.8' W and a brighter mag 12 star is 2.0' N.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2821 = h3155 on 26 Mar 1835 and recorded "eF, attached to a star 11th mag; somewhat doubtful." His position and description matches ESO 497-034. Herbert Howe noted the mag 11 star is northwest of the galaxy. MCG does label their catalogue entry (MCG -04-22-007) as NGC 2821.

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NGC 2822 = ESO 061-004 = PGC 26026

09 13 50 -69 38 42

V = 10.7; Size 3.3'x2.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 90d

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this galaxy is located just 5.4' NE of mag 1.7 Beta Carinae (Miaplacidus)! The view is significantly hampered by the overwhelming glare of the bright star in the 24". At 260x it appeared moderately bright and large, elongated 5:3 WSW-ENE, ~1.0'x0.6', with a fairly high surface brightness. Planetary Nebula IC 2448 lies 39' SW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2822 = h3156 on 29 Jan 1835 and called "pF, vS, R, glbM." His RA is marked as approximate and is 1.5 min too far west. He may have reversed the offset from nearby Beta as the galaxy is east.

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NGC 2823 = UGC 4935 = MCG +06-21-008 = CGCG 181-016 = PGC 26340

09 19 17.4 +34 00 29

V = 14.4; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 30d

24" (3/9/13): faint to fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 24"x12", weak concentration. Elongated in the direction of a mag 10.4 star 1.2' SSW. Member of AGC 779.

George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 2823 on 13 Mar 1850, though a sketch of the cluster was constructed the following year. NGC 2823 was unlabeled but placed at the north end of the cluster with a star close west, so the identification is certain. The NGC declination is 5' too far north (NGC 2827 and 2828 are also placed 3' too far north).

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NGC 2824 = UGC 4933 = MCG +04-22-031= CGCG 121-057 = Mrk 394 = PGC 26330

09 19 02.3 +26 16 11

V = 13.3; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 160d

17.5" (3/28/92): faint, small, round, very small bright core. Overpowered by mag 6.5 SAO 80757 just 3' ESE! The galaxy is located at the west vertex of a rhombus formed by three stars including the mag 6.5 star, a mag 11 star 2.7' S and a mag 12 star 2.9' NE with sides about 3' length. Described by d'Arrest as a cluster in the NGC.

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2824 on 30 Apr 1864 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen. His position matches UGC 4933, although he notes "vF, vS, cluster" and there are no superimposed stars and he made no mention of the nearby bright star.

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NGC 2825 = MCG +06-21-010 = CGCG 181-017 = PGC 26345

09 19 22.4 +33 44 34

V = 14.4; Size 1.0'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 88d

17.5" (3/12/94): very faint, small, weak concentration. Located in the core of AGC 779 and preceding the triple system; NGC 2830 lies 3.9' E, NGC 2831 4.8' E and NGC 2832 4.9' ENE.

17.5" (1/31/87): very faint, small, slightly brighter core, slightly elongated. Located 5' WSW of NGC 2832

13" (1/28/84): very faint, very small. Located 5' W of NGC 2832 in AGC 779.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2825 = h581 on 3 Apr 1831 and noted "vF: it is the s p of two. The other is I. 113 [NGC 2832]." His mean position (measured on sweep 337) matches CGCG 181-017 = PGC 26345. This is the only galaxy JH discovered in Abell 779. It is labeled Delta in Stoney's sketch made at Birr Castle on 26 Mar 1851

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NGC 2826 = UGC 4939 = MCG +06-21-011 = CGCG 181-018 = PGC 26346

09 19 24.2 +33 37 26

V = 13.7; Size 1.5'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 143d

17.5" (1/31/87): second brightest in the core of AGC 779 rich cluster. Fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, brighter core. Located 8.9' SW of NGC 2832.

13" (1/28/84): faint, fairly small, very diffuse. Located 9' SW of NGC 2832 in AGC 779.

George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 2826 on 13 Mar 1850 with LdR's 72". On a diagram of 12 nebulae in the cluster constructed the following year, NGC 2826 is shown 9' southwest of Alpha = NGC 2832. Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered the galaxy (#89 in AN 1500) and measured an accurate position (given in the NGC), though he noted it was probably one of LdR's. JH listed separate entries in the GC (1807 and 1809) for LdR and d'Arrest, but Dreyer combined them in the NGC.

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NGC 2827 = IC 2460 = MCG +06-21-009 = CGCG 181-015 = PGC 26342

09 19 19.0 +33 52 51

V = 14.6; Size 0.8'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.9

17.5" (3/12/94): extremely faint, small, elongated 3:2 N-S, low surface brightness, no central concentration. A mag 14 star is 1.3' NNW. Forms a pair with NGC 2828 3.3' ENE. Located at the north side of the core of AGC 779.

George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 2827 on 13 Mar 1850 with LdR's 72". It was included on a sketch from 8 Jan 1851 showing 12 nebulae, on a line with NGC 2828 and 2833. The NGC position is 8 tsec east and 3' north of CGCG 181-015 = PGC 26342. Stephane Javelle found the galaxy again on 28 Feb 1900 and placed J. 3-1091 (later IC 2460) 1.6' too far south due to an error in his reference star. MCG labels MCG +06-21-009 as IC 2460, without reference to NGC 2827.

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NGC 2828 = CGCG 181-021 = PGC 26365

09 19 34.8 +33 53 17

V = 14.7; Size 0.4'x0.2'; PA = 45d

17.5" (3/12/94): extremely faint, requires averted vision, very small, round. A mag 14.5 star is 1.4' N. Forms a pair with NGC 2827 3.3' WSW. Located at the north edge of AGC 779.

George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 2828 on 13 Mar 1850 with LdR's 72". It was included on the sketch of 8 Jan 1851 on a line between NGC 2827 and NGC 2833. The NGC position is 3' too far north (same offset as nearby NGC 2827) of CGCG 181-021 = PGC 26365.

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NGC 2829 = 2MASX J09195225+3338584 = PGC 2036350

09 19 52.3 +33 38 58

V = 15.3; Size 0.5'x0.5'

24" (1/31/14): at 375x appeared very faint to faint (could hold steadily with averted), extremely small, round, 8" diameter. PGC 3529523, a larger galaxy, lies 3.5' ENE and appeared faint, small, elongated 5:3 WSW-ENE, 20"x12. The identification of this number is uncertain and it may apply to a star 2.9' W. PGC 26356, situated 4.6' W is often taken as NGC 2832, but is fainter and a poor match with the discovery sketch.

George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 2828 on 13 Mar 1850 with LdR's 72" and one of the "15 knots in all". It was included on the sketch of 8 Jan 1851, which showed only a dozen nebulae, east of line connecting NGC 2832 and NGC 2826. The nearest galaxy to the NGC position is PGC 26356, an extremely faint, double galaxy (brighter western component) situated 2' NE of NGC 2826. Karl Reinmuth described this galaxy (based on Heidelberg plates) as "identification doubtful, vF, vS, R, vgvlbM, triangle with 2 st nf and f, NGC 2826 sp 2.1'." RNGC and PGC also identify this galaxy as NGC 2829 (as well as secondary sources based on the PGC). But, PGC 26356 is directly on a line with NGC 2832 and 2826, contradicting Stoney's sketch.

Harold Corwin notes this number more likely applies to PGC 2036350, a brighter galaxy 4.6' due E of PGC 26356. PGC 2036350 is not identified as NGC 2829 in any other source besides Steinicke's Historical NGC. Another possibility is a single mag 14-14.5 star at 09 19 38.4 +33 39 12 (2000), which also fits the sketch. Finally, PGC 3529523, a larger galaxy and slightly more obvious galaxy, lies 3.5' ENE of PGC 2036350, although this one is not a good match with Stoney's sketch either. So, the identification of NGC 2829 is uncertain - it may apply to PGC 2036350 (described here) or a faint star 2.9' west of this galaxy.

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NGC 2830 = Arp 315 "Group" = UGC 4941 = MCG +06-21-014 = CGCG 181-023 = Holm 123b = PGC 26371

09 19 41.4 +33 44 17

V = 14.3; Size 1.3'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 112d

17.5" (1/31/87): very faint, low surface brightness, edge-on WNW-ESE. First of three in a triple system with NGC 2831 0.9' ENE and NGC 2832 1.4' NE of center in the core of AGC 779. Also nearby is NGC 2825 3.9' W.

George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 2830 on 13 Mar 1850 with LdR's 72" as one of "15 knots in all". A sketch made in March 1851 shows NGC 2831 labeled Gamma and measured at 1.2' southwest (PA = 237°) of NGC 2832. JH incorrectly equated this galaxy with H I-113 = h582 in the GC, and Dreyer repeated the error in the NGC. But the Herschel numbers apply to brighter NGC 2832. The NGC RA is 6 seconds too large.

MCG reverses the identifications of NGC 2830 and NGC 2831. According to the "New Description", RNGC has also reversed these identifications. This error was included in my RNGC Corrections #1 and was discussed in detail by Malcolm Thomson in the Webb Society Quarterly Journal for Jan 1978.

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NGC 2831 = Arp 315 NED1 = UGC 4942sw = Holm 123c = MCG +06-21-013 = CGCG 181-024sw = PGC 26376

09 19 45.5 +33 44 42

V = 13.6; Size 0.5'x0.5'

17.5" (1/31/87): very faint, extremely small. Appears as a round knot at the southwest edge of halo of NGC 2832 just 0.4' from center in the core of AGC 779. Forms a trio with NGC 2830 0.9' WSW.

George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 2831 on 13 Mar 1850 with LdR's 72" as one of "15 knots in all". A sketch made in March 1851 shows NGC 2831 labeled Beta and measured as 25" southwest (PA = 226°) of NGC 2832. The NGC dec is 1' too large.

The identifications of NGC 2830 and NGC 2831 are reversed in MCG and RNGC. This was caused by a mixup in the descriptions in the NGC. See notes for NGC 2830.

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NGC 2832 = Arp 315 NED2 = UGC 4942ne = Holm 123a = MCG +06-21-015 = CGCG 181-024ne = PGC 26377

09 19 46.8 +33 44 59

V = 11.9; Size 2.3'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 160d

17.5" (1/31/87): moderately bright, fairly small, round bright core, slightly elongated halo. This is the brightest galaxy in AGC 779 and forms a double system with NGC 2831 at the SW edge of halo 22" between centers. Also nearby is NGC 2830 1.3' SW. A double star h2493 = 10.1/11.7 is 2.5' SSE and a wide mag 11/12.5 pair is 3.0' ESE.

13" (1/28/84): fairly faint, fairly small, round. This object is the central galaxy in AGC 779.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2832 = H I-113 = h582 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and recorded "cB, much brighter following the middle, pL. North of 3 stars in a row at very unequal distances, iF." His position (Caroline Herschel's reduction) is accurate. JH called the galaxy "B; R; bM." Due to a confusion with the sketch of the cluster made in 1851 at Birr Castle, Dreyer assigned H I-113 to nearby NGC 2830, a much fainter galaxy. See Corwin's notes for full story.

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NGC 2833 = CGCG 181-027 = PGC 26389

09 19 57.9 +33 55 38

V = 14.6; Size 0.7'x0.3'; PA = 165d

17.5" (1/31/87): very faint, small, elongated N-S. A mag 13.5 star is 1.1' E. Located at the north edge of AGC 779 10.9' NNE of NGC 2832.

George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 2831 on 13 Mar 1850 with LdR's 72" as one of the "15 knots in all". A sketch made the following year only showed a dozen nebulae and NGC 2833 is placed 12' north of NGC 2832 (actual separation is 11'). The NGC position is 6 sec of RA west and 1.5' north of CGCG 181-027.

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NGC 2834 = MCG +06-21-021 = CGCG 181-029 = PGC 26400

09 20 02.5 +33 42 37

V = 14.5; Size 0.3'x0.3'

17.5" (1/31/87): extremely faint and small, round. Located 4.1' SE of NGC 2832 in the core of AGC 779. A double star h2493 = 10.1/11.7 is 2.3' W and a mag 11 star is 1.4' N. NGC 2839 lies 8' ESE.

George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 2834 on 13 Mar 1850 with LdR's 72" as one of "15 knots in all". A sketch made in March 1851 shows NGC 2834 labeled Epsilon and measured as 4.2' southeast (PA = 125°) of NGC 2832. The NGC position is 4 sec of RA too large.

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NGC 2835 = ESO 564-035 = MCG -04-22-008 = UGCA 157 = PGC 26259

09 17 52.8 -22 21 17

V = 10.5; Size 6.6'x4.4'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 8d

17.5" (2/28/87): very large, low surface brightness, slightly elongated, weak concentration. Bracketed by two mag 10 stars 2.8' W and 3.4' SE of center.

E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 2835 in early 1885 with the 6-inch refractor at Nashville. After the discovery was announced in The Observatory, Wilhelm Tempel claimed an earlier discovery on 13 Apr 1884 in a note to his "New Nebulae" in AN 2660. Barnard is credited with the discovery in the NGC.

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NGC 2836 = ESO 061-003 = PGC 26017

09 13 45.0 -69 20 00

V = 11.8; Size 2.6'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 118d

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, moderately large, ~1.0'x0.7'. Located 23' N of mag 1.7 Beta Carinae (Miaplacidus) and 18' N of NGC 2822 in a rich Milky Way star field. Unusual appearance with many nearby stars including at least one superimposed mag 16 star.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2836 = h3157 on 29 Jan 1835 and recorded "F, R, glbM, 40". Nearly on meridian with Beta Argus [Carinae]." His position is 2' southwest of ESO 061-003.

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NGC 2837 = Holm 122a/b

09 18 23.3 -16 28 53

Size 14"

=**, Corwin. NF, Carlson.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2837 = h585 on 16 Dec 1827 and recorded "eF, R, bM, precedes a star [by] 8.5 sec". Exactly at this offset from a mag 12 star is a pair of mag 14.7/14.8 stars at 14" separation with a mean position of 09 18 23.3 -16 28 53 (2000). Harold Corwin also identifies this double star as NGC 2837.

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NGC 2838 = MCG +07-19-061 = CGCG 209-055 = PGC 26434

09 20 43.0 +39 18 56

V = 13.6; Size 0.6'x0.6'

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, very small, round, 30" diameter, even concentration down to small bright core and occasional stellar nucleus. Forms the southern vertex of an acute triangle with two mag 14 stars 50" N and 63" NNE. Also located almost at midpoint of a mag 10.5 star 3.2' NE and a mag 11.5 star 2.8' SW. UGC 4950 is at the edge of the 220x field 11' SW.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2838 = H III-627 = h583 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716) and logged "vF, vS, stellar, 300 power." CH's reduced position is 2' SSW of CGCG 209-055 = PGC 26434.

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NGC 2839 = MCG +06-21-023 = CGCG 181-031 = PGC 26425

09 20 36.3 +33 39 02

V = 14.2; Size 0.5'x0.5'

17.5" (1/31/87): faint, small, round, diffuse. Located in the core of AGC 779 12' SE of NGC 2832. NGC 2834 lies 8' WNW.

George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 2839 on 13 Mar 1850 with LdR's 72" as one of "15 knots in all". A sketch made in March 1851 shows NGC 2839 labeled Zeta and measured as 8' 8" southeast (PA = 120°) of NGC 2834. The NGC position is 1' too far south.

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NGC 2840 = UGC 4960 = MCG +06-21-025 = CGCG 181-032 = PGC 26445

09 20 52.7 +35 22 06

V = 13.8; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6

17.5" (3/12/94): faint, small, appears elongated in direction of a mag 11 star 1.0' NW although the catalogued dimensions are nearly circular, almost even surface brightness. Located 1° north of Alpha Lyncis.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2840 = H III-827 = h586 on 10 Mar 1790 (sweep 938) and noted "eF, vS, south-following a vS star." His position (CH's reduction) is 3' south of UGC 4960 and the description of the nearby star clinches the identification. JH recorded "vF; not vS; R; 100"-120"; s f a * 10 mag." His position was very accurate.

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NGC 2841 = UGC 4966 = MCG +09-16-005 = CGCG 265-006 = PGC 26512

09 22 02.3 +50 58 35

V = 9.2; Size 8.1'x3.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 147d

13.1" (1/18/85): bright, large, very small very bright nucleus, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 6'x3'. There is a sharp light cut-off on the east side due to dust. A mag 10 star is at the NW edge 2.8' from center and mag 8.6 SAO 27227 lies 4.8' NE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2841 = H I-205 = h584 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815) and recorded "a very brilliant nebula, 5' or 6' long and 3 or 4' broad; it has a small bright nucleus with a faint chevelure about it, and two opposite very extensive branches." He published a sketch in his 1811 paper (Fig. 23) as an illlustration of "extended nebulae that show the progress of condensation [core and nucleus]." JH described it as "vB; vmE; vsmbM; pos 150.8°; comes up to a nucleus, a star 10-11m; has 2 st not involved 11 & 12 m, and a 3rd 10 m perp to axis of neb."

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NGC 2842 = ESO 091-004 = PGC 26114

09 15 36.3 -63 04 09

V = 12.5; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 120d

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.8', sharply concentrated with a small, very bright core. A mag 12 star is at the west edge of the halo and a mag 14 star is at the SE edge. Located 3.7' SSW of a mag 9.7 star. NGC 2887 lies 1.1° SE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2842 = h3158 on 8 Mar 1836 and reported "F, vS, between two stars, in a field full of milky way stars. No doubt of the nature of the object." His position and description matches ESO 091-004.

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NGC 2843 = PGC 26414

09 20 28.7 +18 55 34

V = 15.5; Size 0.4'x0.2'; Surf Br = 57; PA = 57d

18" (3/17/07): this marginal galaxy was just glimpsed for moments at 323x as an extremely small, hazy spot perhaps 8" diameter situated close south of a mag 12.5 star. Located 2.6' NNW of a mag 10.3 star and 10' SSW of mag 7.2 HD 80495.

18" (3/11/07): not found at 220x.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2843 = H III-64 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181) and recorded a "suspected neb, but 240 shewed some small stars with suspected nebulosity, probably a deception from want of light and power." CH's reduced position is just 6 sec of RA east of PGC 26414, so despite his uncertainty (RA given to only the nearest minute) the identification seems secure. This galaxy was missed by Bigourdan and it is too faint to be included in the CGCG and MCG. Assuming it was seen by WH, this is certainly one of the two or three faintest galaxies he discovered.

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NGC 2844 = UGC 4971 = MCG +07-19-064 = CGCG 209-057 = PGC 26501

09 21 48.0 +40 09 05

V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 13d

13.1" (1/18/85): faint, very small, slightly elongated ~N-S, small brighter core. Located 9' SSW of mag 7.0 SAO 42822 and 8' WSW of mag 7.7 SAO 42826. The NGC 2852 and NGC 2853 pair lies 16' E.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2844 = H III-628 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716) and called "cF, cS." His position is within 1' of UGC 4971 = PGC 26501.

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NGC 2845 = ESO 314-010 = MCG -06-21-002 = PGC 26306

09 18 36.7 -38 00 36

V = 11.7; Size 2.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 67d

18" (12/30/08): faint, small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 0.4'x0.25', even surface brightness. The galaxy is nestled right against a mag 13 star that is attached on the east side, 20" from the center.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2845 = h3159 on 1 Feb 1835 and recorded "vF, S, R, attached to a star 12th mag, south following." His position and description matches ESO 314-010 = PGC 26306.

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NGC 2846

09 19 40.4 -14 40 35

=**, Corwin. NF, RNGC.

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 2846 on 4 Apr 1874 and described as a "*11 in a vS, pB, R neby." Several micrometric offsets were also made to nearby stars. At his position is a pair of mag 14 stars at ~10" separation -- in fact, one of the measured stars is the fainter companion. Dreyer reobserved the star(s) on 25 Mar 1878 and noted "I think it only a vS cluster. I do not see any star as bright as 11m in it." So, this is either a single or double star at this position. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

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NGC 2847 = Holm 128c

09 20 08.6 -16 31 06

Size 0.3'

48" (2/20/12): at 375x, a mag 16.5 star is superimposed on the northwest side (0.6' from center) of spiral NGC 2848 and attached to this star is an extremely faint HII knot. The combination of the mag 16.5 star + knot was likely recorded by Lord Rosse's assistant R.J. Mitchell as a "faint knot north-preceding" and it received the designation NGC 2847. The RNGC misclassified the number as nonexistent.

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2847 one 15 Mar 1855 with LdR's 72", and noted a "F knot np [NGC 2848]". Harold Corwin identifies NGC 2847 as a star and HII region 0.6' NW of the nucleus of NGC 2848. This is the most southerly deep sky object discovered at Birr Castle.

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NGC 2848 = MCG -03-24-007 = UGCA 160 = Holm 128a = PGC 26404

09 20 09.8 -16 31 34

V = 11.8; Size 2.7'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 30d

48" (2/20/12): bright, large, oval 3:2 SW-NE, contains a relatively large, bright core that increases to the center. A spiral arm is attached on the west side of the core and it sweeps around the galaxy clockwise, heading south and then sharply bending east before dimming out on the southeast side of the halo. But an apparently detached section of the arm reappears on the east side heading north towards two mag 14/15 star at the NE edge. A mag 16.5 star is superimposed on the NW side (0.6' from center) and attached to this star is an extremely faint HII knot. The combination of star + knot was likely recorded by Mitchell using Rosse's 72" as a "faint knot north-preceding" and it received the designation NGC 2847. A mag 12 star lies 2.7' NE and NGC 2851 is 5' NE.

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly bright, moderately large, bright core, faint halo 3:2 SW-NE. A mag 12 star lies 2.8' NE of center. Forms a pair with NGC 2851 5.5' ENE.

13.1" (12/22/84): fairly faint, moderately large, very diffuse, slightly elongated SW-NE, very weak concentration.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2848 = H III-488 = h587 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and logged "vF, cL, gvlbM, near 3' long and above 2' broad, preceding a pB star." His position (CH's reduction) is 16 tsec too far west and 1' north. JH called it "vF; L; E nf to sp; lbM. It is 9.5 sec preceding a * 11m and south of the star."

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NGC 2849 = ESO 314-SC13 = OCL-756 = Cr 207

09 19 23 -40 31 12

Size 2'

24" (2/22/14): at 200x appeared as a mottled 2' glow with only a few stars resolved. At 260x, roughly 20 stars pop in and out of view, some in small knots, in only a 2.5' region. Several resolved stars are along an E-W string on the north side. A number of bright stars are in the field including mag 9.3 HD 80623 3' SE and a similar star 3' NE. A striking 25" linear triple of mag 10.5-11 stars lies 3' W.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2849 = h3160 on 22 Jan 1838 (his last sweep at the Cape of Good Hope) and noted a "globular cluster, eF, R, vglbM; resolved into vS, but not very numerous stars; 2.5' diameter. It is rather a cluster of the 6th class than a globular cluster."  His position is just off the southwest side of the small cluster.  NGC 2849 and NGC 3120 were the last two southern objects that JH discovered.

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NGC 2850 = PGC 26452

09 20 57.0 -04 56 24

V = 14.2; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 30d

17.5" (2/1/03): faint, small, slightly elongated, 20" diameter, nearly even surface brightness with a well-defined halo.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2850 = St XII-36 on 22 Mar 1882. His position matches PGC 26452.

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NGC 2851 = MCG -03-24-008 = PGC 26422

09 20 30.2 -16 29 43

V = 13.6; Size 1.4'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 5d

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, small, elongated SSW-NNE. Forms a pair with NGC 2848 5.5' WSW.

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2851 =Sw III-43 on 27 Feb 1886 and recorded "eF; pS; vE; 1829 [NGC 2848], R. nova [NGC 2846] and 1828 [NGC 2847] in field west. Did not see 1819 [NGC 2837] east of 1829." His position is 1' south of MCG -03-24-008 = PGC 26422.

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NGC 2852 = UGC 4986 = MCG +07-19-065 = CGCG 209-059 = PGC 26571

09 23 14.6 +40 09 49

V = 13.2; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.6

13.1" (1/18/85): extremely small, appears as a barely non-stellar "knot" forming a close pair with NGC 2853 2.5' NNE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2852 = H III-629 = h588, along with NGC 2853, on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716), and described both as "Two, both vF, vS, 300 shewed them both very well, nearly in the same meridian, and about 3' distance." His position is between the two galaxies, but close to NGC 2852. JH recorded "vF; S; R: has a * 10m 2' dist preceding. The first of 2."

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NGC 2853 = UGC 4987 = MCG +07-19-066 = CGCG 209-060 = PGC 26580

09 23 17.3 +40 12 00

V = 13.3; Size 1.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 25d

13.1" (1/18/85: faint, elongated ~N-S, fairly small. Forms a close pair with NGC 2852 2' SSW.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2853 = H III-630 = h590, along with NGC 2852, on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716) and described both as "Two, both vF, vS, 300 shewed them both very well, nearly in the same meridian, and about 3' distance." His position is between the two galaxies, but closer to NGC 2852. JH recorded "eF; pL; vgbM; the following of 2."

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NGC 2854 = Arp 285 NED1 = UGC 4995 = MCG +08-17-092 = CGCG 238-046 = WBL 221-001 = PGC 26631

09 24 03.1 +49 12 15

V = 13.0; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 50d

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, weak broad concentration. Located 2.1' SSE of a mag 10 star. Forms a pair with NGC 2856 3.5' NE and NGC 2857 is also in the field 10.8' ENE. Forms an unusual pair with NGC 2856 as the major axes of these similar galaxies are exactly perpendicular.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2854 = H III-714 = h589 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815), along with NGC 2856, and recorded "cF, cS, lE." His position is 1.4' NE of UGC 4995 = PGC 26631. JH noted "pF; R; pslbM; 20". The sp of 2, making an isosceles triangle with a * 9m."

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NGC 2855 = MCG -02-24-015 = UGCA 161 = PGC 26483

09 21 27.5 -11 54 37

V = 11.6; Size 2.5'x2.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 130d

13.1" (4/10/86): moderately large, diffuse halo rising to a sharp, bright core with a brighter nucleus.

13.1" (12/22/84): fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, small bright core. Located 4' S of mag 8.8 SAO 155121.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2855 = H I-132 = h592 on 19 Mar 1786 (sweep 541) and logged "F, S, vgbM, R, 1.5' dia." On 23 Feb 1791 (sweep 995), he noted "pB, R, mbM like a nucleus, about 1' dia." JH recorded "pB; R; 45"; pgmbM; almost to nucleus."

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NGC 2856 = Arp 285 NED2 = UGC 4997 = MCG +08-17-093 = CGCG 238-047 = WBL 221-002 = PGC 26648

09 24 16.0 +49 14 57

V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 134d

17.5" (3/12/94): forms an interesting similar pair of elongated systems with NGC 2854 3.5' SW. Fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.6', broadly concentrated. Located 3.5' E of a mag 10 star. NGC 2857 lies 7.3' NNE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2856 = H III-713 = h591 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815), along with NGC 2854, and recorded "cF, cS, lE." His position is 2' NNE of UGC 4997 = PGC 26648. JH noted (first of two sweeps) "Not vF; R; psbM; 20"; the nf of 2, making an isosceles triangle with a * 9m."

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NGC 2857 = Arp 1 = UGC 5000 = MCG +08-17-095 = CGCG 238-049 = PGC 26666

09 24 37.8 +49 21 25

V = 12.3; Size 2.2'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.7

17.5" (3/12/94): very faint, round, very diffuse, 2.0' diameter. This face-on spiral appears as a low surface brightness glow with no concentration. The appearance is unusual, though, as four stars cradle the galaxy on the west side including a mag 13 star 1.6' NW, a mag 12 star 1.8' W and two mag 14 stars close SW. In the same field with NGC 2856 7.3' SSW and NGC 2854 10.8' SSW (Arp 285). CGCG 238-051 lies 3.9' ENE, but was not recorded.

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2857 on 9 Jan 1856 with LdR's 72" and recorded "Both oval [NGC 2854 and 2856], their larger axes at right angles to one another, p one [NGC 2854] susp patchy." About 7' nf the n one is another, pL, slightly oval, follows 4 small stars, mottled, * susp in centre. Is there about 5' f this latter another vS knot with 2 st p and n?" The last object noted is CGCG 238-051, which Dreyer failed to assign an NGC designation. Although Mitchell's offset from NGC 2856 is accurate, the NGC position is off a bit.

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NGC 2858 = UGC 4989 = MCG +01-24-017 = CGCG 034-040 = PGC 26556

09 22 55.0 +03 09 25

V = 12.6; Size 1.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 117d

17.5" (3/25/95): faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 0.5' diameter. Sharp concentration with a fairly bright stellar nucleus surrounded by a small faint halo.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2858 = m 161 on 3 Mar 1864 and noted "vF, S, mbM." His position matches UGC 4989 = PGC 26556.

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NGC 2859 = UGC 5001 = MCG +06-21-030 = CGCG 181-040 = PGC 26649

09 24 18.6 +34 30 48

V = 10.9; Size 4.3'x3.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 85d

13.1" (1/28/84): moderately bright, moderately large, strong concentration to a bright core, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, fainter halo. Located 40' ENE of Alpha Lyncis (V = 3.1).

8" (12/6/80): faint, fairly small, round, bright core.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2859 = H I-137 = h593 on 28 Mar 1786 (sweep 549) and logged "vB, R, vsmbM, chevelure extending to about 3' diameter". JH made 3 observations, recording on sweep 336 "vB; R; vsmbM to a star; follows a * 7m and is 3' S of it." A total of 11 observations were made by LdR and assistants and a couple of superimposed stars were noted in the outer halo [on the north side]. On 28 Mar 1861, Sir Robert Ball wrote, "Dull Nucl, I susp a dark ring around it [there is!]. A vF neb nf. I strongly suspect st in h593 [=NGC 2859]." The "vF neb nf" is probably UGC 5004.

Originally classified as a SBa by Hubble. de Vaucouleurs (1975) lists it as one of the 5 brightest galaxies in the NGC 2964 group, which includes NGC 2859, 2964, 3003, 3032 and 3067.

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NGC 2860 = UGC 5007 = MCG +07-20-003 = CGCG 210-005 = CGCG 209-065 = PGC 26685

09 24 53.2 +41 03 36

V = 13.7; Size 1.4'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 108d

17.5" (4/5/97): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 0.8'x0.6'. Exhibits just a weak concentration and brightens gently to center but no noticeable core. Located 5.9' SSW of mag 8.5 SAO 428431.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2860 = St XIII-47 on 17 Mar 1884. His position matches UGC 5007 = PGC 26685.

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NGC 2861 = UGC 4999 = MCG +00-24-010 = CGCG 006-038 = KTG 24A = PGC 26607

09 23 36.5 +02 08 12

V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x1.4'

24" (2/22/14): moderately bright, moderately large, small bright core, irregular surface brightness, ~1' diameter. Seems to have a brighter knot of region just SSE of the core. [On the DSS, this is the brightest portion of the southern spiral arm]. Increases in size as well as orientation with averted vision, as my eye catches faint portions of the halo. Strong impression of viewing a face-on spiral. A mag 13.6 star is 1' E of center. Brightest in a trio (KTG 24) with CGCG 6-40 3.2' SE and CGCG 6-41 7' ESE.

17.5" (3/7/92): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, halo brightens gradually. A mag 13.5 star is at the east edge 1.1' from center and several other faint stars are near. Forms the east vertex of a right triangle with a wide mag 10/12 double star at 28" separation located 4' W and a wide mag 10/11 double star at 43" separation which lies 6' NW.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2861 = m 162 on 28 Mar 1864 using Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "pB, R." His position is 1' north of UGC 4999 = PGC 26607. d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 8 Feb 1866. His single position, copied into the NGC, is 3' too far south (accurate in RA), though he mentioned a mag 14 star follows by 43" separation, so the identification is certain. The NGC description ("pF, S, irR, *14 following") is also from d'Arrest. Kobold measured an accurate postion at Strassburg in 1895.

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NGC 2862 = UGC 5010 = MCG +05-22-045 = CGCG 151-076 = PGC 26690

09 24 55.0 +26 46 30

V = 12.8; Size 2.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 114d

17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 5:1 WNW-ESE, 2.0'x0.4', brighter core, faint stellar nucleus. Located 6' NNE of mag 8.4 SAO 80808 which has two 12th magnitude companions at 21" and 29".

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2862 on 21 Feb 1863 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen. His position (measured on 2 nights) matches UGC 5010 = PGC 26690.

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NGC 2863 = NGC 2869 = MCG -02-24-018 = PGC 26609

09 23 36.5 -10 26 00

V = 12.7; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.4

17.5" (3/7/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S (appears roundish on the POSS). A mag 12 star is at the NW tip and a very faint mag 15 star is just beyond the south edge. Contains an offset very small brighter core or a bright knot is on the north side just south of the mag 12 star. Forms a close pair with difficult NGC 2868 2.3' W.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2863 = H III-520 = h594 on 25 Mar 1786 (sweep 544) and logged "vF, S, E." JH called it "F; extended between 2 stars 12 and 16 m."

Frank Muller independently found this galaxy (and discovered nearby NGC 2868) in 1886 at Leander-McCormick Observatory, and recorded LM 412 as "mag 14.5, 1.2'x0.6', E 170°, gbM, bet 2 st 12 and 14." His rough position (nearest min of RA) is about 1 min too far east. Dreyer assumed this was new object and catalogued it again as NGC 2869. Howe examined the field in 1899-00 and reported the new numbers are identical. So, NGC 2863 = NGC 2869, with NGC 2863 the primary designation. Because of Muller's poor position, NGC 2868 precedes NGC 2863 in the sky.

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NGC 2864 = MCG +01-24-020 = CGCG 034-044 = PGC 26644

09 24 15.4 +05 56 28

V = 14.6; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 12d

17.5" (2/1/03): very faint, small, slightly elongated 0.6'x0.5'. Low, even surface brightness and requires averted vision for a positive identification. Situated near the Hydra-Leo-Cancer border.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2864 = m 163 on 6 Mar 1864 and recorded "vF, pL, lE." His position matches CGCG 034-044 = PGC 26644.

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NGC 2865 = ESO 498-001 = MCG -04-22-011 = PGC 26601

09 23 30.2 -23 09 40

V = 11.7; Size 2.5'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 146d

17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, small, very bright core, stellar nucleus, slightly elongated halo.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2865 = h3161 on 23 Jan 1835 and logged "pB; S; R; vlbM; 15"." His position (2 sweeps) matches JH's position (h3161) matches ESO 498-001 = PGC 26601.

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NGC 2866 = ESO 212-SC3 = Pismis 13 = OCL 774 = Lund 504

09 22 06 -51 06 12

V = 10.2; Size 1.5'

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 142x and 184x): the central region (Pismis 13) contains a dozen stars mag 12-15 over a glowing 1.5' circular patch. Includes a close double at the east side. The brightest mag 12 star (also a double) is at the north end of the cluster. The surrounding field is rich and includes several mag 10 stars. Specifically, a bright scattered 10' field centered 10' SSW stands out at low power.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2866 = h3162 on 31 Mar 1835 and noted a "Cluster class VIII. Place of a small compact knot of st". His position is an exact match with the small group of stars ESO 212-SC3 = Pismis 13, though because he placed it in class VIII he meant to include the scattered stars (bright) in the larger field. Pismis noted 40 stars in a 2' region.

The RNGC description incorrectly states "NOCL" and Lynga 5 and Sky Catalogue 2000 identify the cluster as Pismis 13 only. ESO gives the correct identification with a question mark.

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NGC 2867 = PK 278-5.1 = ESO 126-PN8 = PN G278.1-05.9

09 21 25.4 -58 18 41

V = 9.7; Size 18"x16"

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): beautiful, very high surface brightness blue planetary at 200x, set in a rich star field. Stunning view at 520x. The thick, oval rim is clearly brighter with a relatively small darker hole in the center! I didn't notice this structure in the 18" several years back from Australia.

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x (unfiltered) this striking planetary is bright (V = 9.7), small, very high surface brightness oval with a pale blue color. With a UHC filter, it appeared ~15"x10" and appeared like a cosmic easter egg set in a beautiful star field! Located 1.1° NE of mag 2.3 Iota Carinae (southeast star of the "False Cross").

John Herschel discovered NGC 2867 = h3163 on 1 Apr 1834 and called it "The finest planetary nebula I ever remember to have seen for sharpness of termination; 3" diameter; exactly R; no more haziness about them than would be about a star of the same magnitude to-night (which is a favourable one) Light, a pale white = * of 9th +/- mag. Position of companion star = 58.6° (mean) ; * = 15th mag. A very remarkable object. Showed to [assistant] Stone, who distinctly perceived the total difference of appearance between it and a star 9th mag very near it. A second companion * suspected (at about half the distance of the 1st by diagram, and at an estimated position of 330°) among multitude of large and small stars." The next night he observed it again with Mr. Maclear, out of the meridian, to check if it might be a planet. But he noted it had "not moved perceptibly, and is therefore not a planet."

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NGC 2868 = PGC 26598

09 23 27.2 -10 25 46

V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 65d

17.5" (2/1/03): extremely faint, very small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 0.4'x0.25, low even surface brightness. Located just 2.3' W of much brighter NGC 2863!

Frank Muller discovered NGC 2868 = LM II-411 = Big. 39 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. He recorded "mag 15.3, 0.4' dia, R, 10s preceding [NGC 2869 = NGC 2863]." According to Harold Corwin, Guillaume Bigourdan independently discovered NGC 2868 on 15 Jan 1887, but was not credited in the NGC. Herbert Howe measured an accurate RA with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in 1899-00 and the correction was repeated by Dreyer in the IC 2. RNGC misclassifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2869 = NGC 2863 = MCG -02-24-018 = PGC 26609

09 23 36.5 -10 26 00

See observing notes for NGC 2863.

Frank Muller found NGC 2869 = LM II-412 in 1886 and recorded ""mag 14.5, 1.2'x0.6', E 170°, gbM, bet 2 st 12 and 14." His rough position (nearest min of RA) is about 1 min too far east, but the note on the nearby stars clinches the identification. Dreyer assumed this was new object and catalogued it again as NGC 2869. The equivalence was first noted by Howe in his list of NGC observations and corrections in 1900. So, NGC 2863 = NGC 2869, with NGC 2863 the primary designation.

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NGC 2870 = UGC 5034 = MCG +10-14-013 = CGCG 289-008 = PGC 26856

09 27 53.5 +57 22 33

V = 13.0; Size 2.5'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 123d

17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 WNW-ESE, 2.0'x0.5', brighter core. Located 4.5' NE of a mag 10 star.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2870 = H III-846 = h595 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 952) and logged "cF, S, mE, very narrow." His position matches UGC 5034 = PGC 26856. JH described this galaxy as "vF; pL; lE; vglbM; 35" l, 30" br."

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NGC 2871 = Holm 130c

09 25 39.5 +11 26 40

V = 15.9

48" (2/21/12): mag 15.9 star situated 1.1' NW of NGC 2872.

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 2871 on 7 Mar 1874 with the 72" and labeled Epsilon on the field sketch. The micrometric offset of 65.3" in PA 315.7° from NGC 2872 = Delta points directly to a mag 16 star 1' NW of NGC 2872. Spitaler reported "not seen" with the 27" refractor at Vienna (mentioned in the IC 1 notes).

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NGC 2872 = Arp 307 NED1 = UGC 5018 = MCG +02-24-008 = CGCG 062-033 = Holm 130a = PGC 26733

09 25 42.5 +11 25 55

V = 11.9; Size 2.1'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 22d

48" (2/21/12): very bright, moderately large, irregularly round, 1.2'x1.0', sharply concentrated with an intensely bright 20" core. A mag 15.8 star = NGC 2871 is 1.1' NW. Forms a striking trio with NGC 2874 and 2873.

17.5" (2/20/88): moderately bright, small, round, sharp concentration with a very bright core. Brightest of three with NGC 2874 1.3' ESE and NGC 2873 2.0' NE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2872 = H II-57 = H II-546 = h597 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 172) and recorded "Two neb. [with NGC 2874 = H II-58] about 3/4' or a little more from each other; Of the resolvable kind. The position of the first [NGC 2872] is about 15° or 20° np the second; they are pS and rather brighter towards the middle, but not much. The neby of the f one is rather more diluted than than of the p one, and it also somewhat larger." His position is exactly 1.0 min of RA too far west and 11' too far north. WH recorded the pair again two years later (II-546 and II-547) on sweep 534, this time at the correct position, but assumed they were new. JH included separate H-designations in the GC, but Dreyer realized the equivalence and combined them in the NGC.

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NGC 2873 = Arp 307 "Companion" = MCG +02-24-009 = Holm 130d = PGC 26742

09 25 48.5 +11 27 15

V = 15.8; Size 0.7'x0.2'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 125d

48" (2/21/12): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 5:2 or 3:1 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.2', very small slightly brighter nucleus. Faintest member of a striking trio with NGC 2874 and NGC 2872 (Arp 307) to the south and SW, respectively.

17.5" (2/20/88): extremely faint, very small, round. Faintest in a tight trio situated 2.0' NE of NGC 2872 and 1.8' N of NGC 2874.

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2873 on 22 Feb 1857 with LdR's 72", while observing NGC 2872 and 2874. He sketched a trio and noted "Is Beta a vF neb?" A month later, NGC 2873 = Beta was confirmed. In the 1874 observation, Copeland measured an exact micrometric offset from NGC 2872. This galaxy is not included in CGCG, UGC or RC3 but appears to be mentioned as an anonymous galaxy in the UGC notes.

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NGC 2874 = Arp 307 NED2 = UGC 5021 = MCG +02-24-010 = CGCG 062-034 = Holm 130b = PGC 26740

09 25 47.3 +11 25 28

V = 12.5; Size 2.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 43d

48" (2/21/12): at 375x, the largest member of this striking trio appeared very bright, large, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE, 1.8'x0.5', sharply concentrated with an intense core. The northeast extension is slightly brighter, particularly along the eastern side (knotty spiral arm = NGC 2875). NGC 2872 is 1.3' WNW and NGC 2873 is 1.7' NNE.

17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, halo gradually increases to a bright core. A mag 15 star is 1.3' S of center. In a close trio with NGC 2872 1.3' WNW and NGC 2873 1.8' N.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2874 = H II-58 = H II-547 = h598 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 172). See NGC 2872 for the story on the duplicate entries.

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NGC 2875 = northeastern arm of NGC 2874

09 25 48.8 +11 25 54

48" (2/21/12): at 375x, the northeast extension (arm) of NGC 2874 is slightly brighter, particularly along the eastern side.

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 2875 on 7 Mar 1874 and labeled it as Gamma on the same sketch with NGC 2871, 2872, and 2873. His offset from NGC 2874 (42" in PA 37°) falls on a slightly brighter section of the northeastern spiral arm of NGC 2874. RNGC equates the number with NGC 2874, though a more appropriate classification would be part of NGC 2874.

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NGC 2876 = MCG -01-24-016 = PGC 26710

09 25 13.8 -06 43 00

V = 13.7; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.5; PA = 95d

17.5" (3/7/92): faint, very small, slightly elongated, small bright core. Pair with IC 2471 7' S.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2876 = St X-20 on 5 Mar 1880 with the 31" reflector at Marseille and recorded "F, S, halo contains sev vF *." His position matches MCG -01-24-016 = PGC 26710. Dreyer incorrectly references list IX in the NGC. Ormond Stone independently discovered NGC 2876 in 1886 at the Leander-McCormick Observatory and his position in list II-413 is fairly accurate.

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NGC 2877 = MCG +00-24-015 = CGCG 006-043 = PGC 26738

09 25 47.0 +02 13 45

V = 14.3; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5

17.5" (3/8/97): faint, small, round, 25" diameter, very weak concentration. Located 6' following a group of four mag 13 stars in a small "kite" asterism. Forms a pair with NGC 2878 8.5' S.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2877 = m 164 on 28 Mar 1864 (along with NGC 2878 = m 165) and recorded "vF, S, vlE." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2878 = UGC 5022 = MCG +00-24-014 = CGCG 006-042 = PGC 26739

09 25 47.4 +02 05 22

V = 14.2; Size 0.8'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 174d

17.5" (3/8/97): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, unconcentrated. Slightly lower surface brightness than NGC 2877 located 8.5' N.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2878 = m 165 on 28 Mar 1864 (along with NGC 2877 = m 164) and recorded "vF, S, vlE." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2879

09 25 22.2 -11 39 03

=***, Corwin. =NF, Carlson.

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2879 on 27 Feb 1865. He noted "neb with some vF *" and measured a mag 14-15 star as preceding by 11 seconds of time. At his position is a triple star with the mag 14 star at this exact offset. The two brighter components are mag 14.4/14.5 at 10" separation.

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NGC 2880 = UGC 5051 = MCG +10-14-015 = CGCG 312-011 = PGC 26939

09 29 34.5 +62 29 27

V = 11.5; Size 2.0'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 140d

17.5" (4/6/91): moderately bright, round, 1' diameter, strong concentration, very small bright core. A mag 11.5 star is 1.9' ENE. Nearby to the north is a string of mag 13-14 stars including a mag 13 star 2.1' N. Forms a pair with CGCG 312-012 3.2' N. The companion is very faint, extremely small, round. Two mag 14 stars are 1.7' NE and 1.2' E.

8": faint, small, bright core. Located 40' SW of a mag 4 star.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2880 = H I-260 = h596 on 2 Apr 1791 (sweep 1000) and logged "vB, vL, mbM; iR." His position matches UGC 5051 = PGC 26939. On sweep 404, JH recorded "pF; R; S; vgbM; 40", a *12 m follows."

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NGC 2881 = Arp 275 = VV 293 = MCG -02-24-021 = PGC 26747

09 25 54.4 -11 59 40

V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1

17.5" (4/4/92): very faint, small, round, very low even surface brightness. A mag 14.5 star is at the northeast edge 0.7' from center. An easy mag 10/11 double star at 26" separation lies 4.5' ESE. This is a double system (not resolved).

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2881 = Sw III-44 on 9 Feb 1886 and recorded "eF; pS; preceding a coarse double star 17 sec; in field with 1854 [NGC 2889]." His position is just 5 sec of RA west of Arp 275 = PGC 26747. In his extensive MN notes, Herbert Howe stated the two stars mentioned by Swift are south-following, 9.5 & 10.5 mag.

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NGC 2882 = UGC 5030 = MCG +01-24-021 = CGCG 034-046 = PGC 26781

09 26 36.2 +07 57 15

V = 12.6; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 80d

17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 E-W, almost even surface brightness. A mag 13.5 star is 2.0' SE. Located 16' N of mag 8.4 SAO 117694.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2882 = m 166 on 6 Mar 1864 and noted "F, pL, E." His position and description matches UGC 5030.

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NGC 2883 = ESO 372-024 = MCG -06-21-005 + 006 = VV 768 = PGC 26713

09 25 17.5 -34 06 12

V = 13.1; Size 2.8'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 176d

18" (3/11/07): faint, moderately large, elongated at least 2:1 ~N-S, 1.1'x0.5'. Unusual appearance as the galaxy has an irregular, mottled appearance and perhaps three faint stars are superimposed (with several others nearby).

John Herschel discovered NGC 2883 = h3164 on 7 Apr 1837 and recorded "a vF, S, cluster, class VI; vglbM; resolved so as to see the stars which are 15th mag; almost to be called a vF, large nebula." His position matches ESO 372-024 = PGC 26713. MCG misidentifies MCG -06-21-006 as NGC 2883 instead of MCG -06-21-005.

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NGC 2884 = MCG -02-24-022 = PGC 26773

09 26 24.4 -11 33 20

V = 12.4; Size 1.9'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 175d

13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, possible faint stellar nucleus. A mag 13.5 star is 1.3' W of center. NGC 2889 lies 13' ESE.

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2884 on 27 Feb 1865. His position (measured on 5 nights) matches MCG -02-24-022 = PGC 26773 and he noted the mag 13.5 star (called mag 15 or 16) that precedes by 5 seconds of time in the parallel. His AN #1537 list has a 1 min typo in RA.

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NGC 2885 = IC 538 = UGC 5037 = MCG +04-22-058 = CGCG 121-098 = PGC 26943

09 27 18.5 +23 01 12

V = 14.0; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 80d

17.5" (4/13/91): faint, very small, round, stellar nucleus. A mag 15 star is 40" E of center and a mag 14 star is 2' NW. Located 8' NW of mag 8.5 SAO 80841. Brightest in a trio with CGCG 121-099 1.8' ENE and IC 2474 1.8' NW. Incorrect identification in RNGC.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2885 = h599 on 24 Feb 1827 and recorded "eF; vS; E in parallel; RA very uncertain." There is nothing at his position (1.7' NNW of a mag 8 star not mentioned in his description), but 25 sec of RA west is UGC 5037, which fits the description (roughly elongated east-west). Bigourdan independently discovered the galaxy on 21 Mar 1890, measured an accurate position for Big. 154 (later IC 538) and noted "does not seem to be NGC 2885." Dreyer noted the possible equivalence with NGC 2885 in the IC description.

Sir Robert Ball, an observing assistant on LdR's 72", recorded on 10 Jan 1867, "3 objects seen close together, of which one is probably a nebula, the other possibly also, and third a star? All these are eF, and would perhaps not be seen unless on so good a night as this is." From the description, Ball picked up NGC 2885 and probably nearby IC 2474 and CGCG 121-99.

RNGC misidentifies CGCG 122-006 as NGC 2885. CGCG and UGC misidentify IC 2474 as NGC 2885. Finally, MCG labels NGC 2885 as IC 538. Malcolm Thomson analyzed the identifications in a Webb Society Quarterly Journal article, July 1990.

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NGC 2886 = ESO 565-?005

09 26 38.7 -21 44 16

=***, Corwin. =NF, RNGC.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2886 = h3165 on 1 Feb 1837 and simply noted "eeF; 50"." There is nothing at his position, but four faint stars about 1.5' ENE of his position are likely Herschel's object (the separation is ~25"). Corwin also identifies this multiple star as NGC 2886.

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NGC 2887 = ESO 091-009 = PGC 26592

09 23 24.2 -63 48 45

V = 11.7; Size 2.1'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 78d

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): bright, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 1.2'x1.0', sharply concentrated with a very bright 25" core. Forms the SE vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 12/12.5 stars 1.3' WNW and 1.4' NNW. A couple of arc minutes SE is a short string of very faint stars. NGC 2842 lies 1.1° NW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2887 = h3168 on 8 Mar 1834 and logged "F; S; R; gbM; near a bright star." This is the first deep sky object he discovered at the Cape. His position from 3 sweeps matches ESO 091-009.

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NGC 2888 = ESO 434-002 = MCG -05-23-001 = PGC 26768

09 26 19.5 -28 02 08

V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 158d

17.5" (2/28/87): faint, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, brighter core.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2888 = h3166 on 30 Mar 1835 and logged "pF R; smbM; very dilute at edges; 30"." His position (on 2 sweeps) matches ESO 434-002 = PGC 26768.

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NGC 2889 = MCG -02-24-026 = PGC 26806

09 27 12.5 -11 38 37

V = 11.7; Size 2.2'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 65d

13.1" (4/10/86): fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, diffuse halo, irregular bright core. A mag 11.5 star is off the south edge 1.4' from the center. NGC 2884 lies 13' WNW and NGC 2881 is 28' SW.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2889 = H II-555 = h600 on 19 Mar 1786 (sweep 541) and recorded "vF; pL; R; bM." JH called it "pB; pL; R; vglbM; 80"." Both measured fairly accurate positions. On 30 Jan 1856, R.J. Mitchell using LdR's 72", noted a very faint star at the east edge and "darkness all round the nucleus."

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NGC 2890 = MCG -02-24-024 = PGC 26778

09 26 29.8 -14 31 44

V = 14.3; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 55d

17.5" (3/7/92): faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. Overpowered by mag 7.8 SAO 155191 which lies 3.9' NE!

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 2890 = LM I-154 on 11 Jan 1886 and recorded "mag 15.0, 0.3' dia, R, bMN, envelope 15.5." His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 45 sec of RA east of MCG -02-24-024 = PGC 26778. Howe published an accurate position in his 1900 MN observations and Dreyer repeated it in the IC 2 notes.

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NGC 2891 = ESO 498-008 = MCG -04-23-003 = PGC 26794

09 26 56.6 -24 46 59

V = 12.6; Size 1.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.3

17.5" (3/7/92): fairly faint, small, round, sharp concentration with very small prominent core, stellar nucleus. Located in rich Milky Way field close to the Antlia and Hydra border.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2891 = h3167 on 23 Jan 1835 and recorded "F; S; R; bM; 15"." His position is 1' south of ESO 498-008 = PGC 26794.

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NGC 2892 = UGC 5073 = MCG +11-12-015 = CGCG 312-015 = PGC 27111

09 32 53.0 +67 37 02

V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.7

17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round, gradually brighter halo, faint stellar nucleus. A wide bright double star ∑1349 = 7.5/8.7 at 24" is 11' WSW at the edge of the 220x field. Brightest in a group with UGC 5061 7.5' W.

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2892 = Sw I-8 on 11 May 1885 and recorded "pF, pS, R, lbM." His position is 0.2 min of RA east of UGC 5073 = PGC 27111.

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NGC 2893 = UGC 5060 = MCG +05-23-005 = CGCG 152-018 = Mrk 401 = PGC 26979

09 30 17.0 +29 32 24

V = 13.2; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2

17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, very small, round, very small bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 3.2' SW of a mag 9 star.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2893 = H III-297 = h602 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 386) and logged "Suspected eF, eS. 240x showed the same appearance but left a doubt." There is nothing at his position, but 8.5' north is UGC 5060 = PGC 26979. On sweep 115, JH recorded "S; R; sbM; 20", has a * 8m 55° n f dist 3'." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 2894 = UGC 5056 = MCG +01-24-024 = CGCG 034-051 = Holm 133a = PGC 26932

09 29 30.4 +07 43 06

V = 12.4; Size 1.9'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 27d

17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, prominent core with faint extensions. Unusual appearance as a mag 13.5 star is at the east end and a mag 14.5 star (Holmberg 133b) at the west end. Located 3.0' NNE of mag 8.6 SAO 117726.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2894 = H III-8 = h603 on 23 Jan 1784 (sweep 101) and recorded "Nebula. I see 3 stars in it, & I believe it may all be resolved; yet my 240 power does not clear it quite of nebulosity. [Higher] power gives me 3 very obscure nebulous stars, but leaves it undetermined whether there are more stars in it or whether these are only nebulous for want of light." JH simply noted "2 or 3 st and nebulosity" and measured a pretty accurate position.

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NGC 2895 = MCG +10-14-018 = CGCG 289-009 = PGC 27092

09 32 25.1 +57 28 58

V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2

17.5" (4/4/92): faint, small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, broad concentration in halo to brighter core. Collinear with a wide double star 6' SSW (10.5/12.5 at 50" oriented SSW-NNE).

John Herschel discovered NGC 2895 = h601 on 9 Feb 1831 and logged "vF; R; vgbM; 15"; has a coarse double star 7' south." His position and description matches CGCG 289-009 = PGC 27092.

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NGC 2896 = MCG +04-23-007 = CGCG 122-009 = PGC 26985

09 30 16.9 +23 39 47

V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3

17.5" (4/13/91): very faint, extremely small, round, small bright core. A mag 15 star is attached at the west end.

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2896 on 1 May 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and recorded "F, S, R, *17m very near, *13 follows by 24.3 seconds of time and 30" north." His position and description matches CGCG 122-009 = PGC 26985, with the star (closer to 15th mag) on the west edge.

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NGC 2897 = PGC 26949

09 29 45.7 +02 12 25

V = 15.1; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 170d

17.5" (3/7/92): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, low surface brightness. Located just 1.8' WNW of mag 8.0 SAO 117736 which detracts from viewing. Forms a pair with NGC 2898 8' S. Not listed in the CGCG, UGC, MCG or RC3 although 15th magnitude.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2897 = m 167 on 6 Feb 1864 (along with NGC 2898) and simply noted "eF, S." His position matches PGC 26949. It's odd that Marth did not mention the mag 9 star just 2' E as it interfered with my viewing, although his notes are very sparse.

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NGC 2898 = MCG +00-24-018 = CGCG 006-048 = PGC 26950

09 29 46.3 +02 03 51

V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 125d

17.5" (3/7/92): faint, very small, round, faint substellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 2897 8' N.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2898 = m 168 on 6 Feb 1864 and noted "vF, vS, lE." His position is 6 sec of RA east of CGCG 006-048 = PGC 26950.

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NGC 2899 = PK 277-3.1 = ESO 166-PN13 = PN G277.1-03.8 = Gum 27 = RCW 43

09 27 03.0 -56 06 22

V = 12.2; Size 120"x68"

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fascinating bipolar planetary at 260x using a UHC filter. A very bright knot is situated on the SW end with fainter extensions along the rim to the SE. A matching knot with a lower surface brightness is on the north side. This knot is also elongated, making another short arc. Overall, NGC 2899 is noticeably elongated with dimensions of ~1.6'x1.0', oriented NW-SE. At 520x both knots or arcs gradually increase in brightness to their centers and occasionally show very faint stellar nuclei. The overall surface is noticeably mottled at this power, though darker in the center. The open cluster, IC 2488, lies 50' S.

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x this interesting Vela planetary appeared fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated ~E-W, 1.3'x1.0'. Good contrast gain with a UHC filter. The surface brightness appears very irregular or mottled with a brighter knot on the SW end that is nearly detached and an irregular darker center. Also a less-defined knot appears to be situated on the north end. Four mag 7.5-9 stars are in the field to the west and north and the PN is situated 9' E of mag 7.3 SAO 236965. The faint planetary Wray 17-31 = VBRC 2 lies 38' ESE

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x, this moderately bright planetary is fairly large, ~1.5'x1.0', with an irregular shape and surface brightness. Adding a UHC filter improved the contrast and the PN is clearly elongated with an annular or bi-polar appearance with a darker, irregular center. There are two brighter knots or arcs on on the SW and NE sides of the central section (minor axis?) with the SW knot more obvious. Situated in a fairly rich star field with four mag 7-9 stars including a mag 7.3 star 9' W.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2899 = h3169 on 27 Feb 1835 and recorded "F; pL; R; glbM; 80". At least 80 stars in field." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2900 = UGC 5065 = MCG +01-24-026 = CGCG 034-055 = PGC 26974

09 30 15.1 +04 08 39

V = 13.0; Size 1.7'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.8

17.5" (3/25/95): very faint, moderately large, 1.5' diameter, very low surface brightness, very weak concentration, ill-defined halo. A mag 14.5 star is 1.0' SW of center.

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2900 = Sw III-45 on 10 Mar 1886 and logged "eeF, pL, R, in vacancy." His position is 5 sec of RA east and 1' south of UGC 5065.

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NGC 2901

09 32 24 +31 07

=Not found, RNGC.

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 2901 = LM I-155 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory "while looking for Winnecke's comet [7P/Pons-Winnecke]." No additional notes are given and the position is marked as very rough (approximate even to the nearest min of RA).

This number is not listed in any modern catalogue (even the RNGC didn't pick a candidate). Brian Skiff identifies this object as a double star with brightest component GSC 2494-0616 at 09 32 19 +31 07.1 (2000). Harold Corwin suggest this number may refer to one of the galaxies (UGC 5070/5074/5087) just over a degree south of Stone's position. Without more information, this number is lost.

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NGC 2902 = MCG -02-24-030 = PGC 27004

09 30 52.8 -14 44 07

V = 12.2; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 35d

13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, very small, 30" diameter, stellar nucleus. A faint star is off the NW edge.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2902 = H III-276 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 371) and logged "vF; vS; stellar; with 240 the same." CH's reduction is less than 2' northwest of MCG -02-24-030 = PGC 27004. MCG equates NGC 2902 with Bigourdan's IC 543 but Corwin notes that Bigourdan observed both objects so he was not confusing them.

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NGC 2903 = UGC 5079 = MCG +04-23-009 = CGCG 122-014 = PGC 27077

09 32 10.0 +21 30 02

V = 9.0; Size 12.6'x6.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 17d

48" (4/18/15): this superb spiral was observed at 375x. Several luminous patches are along the central bar, which trends SSW-NNE, including a patch (NGC 2905) at the northeast end near the beginning of the western spiral arm. Another patch is at the south end of the core with a third near the southern end of the bar where the outer eastern arm emanates. The outer western arm extends south for a length of ~4', just beyond the southern edge of the main body. The outer eastern arm emerges from the south end of the galaxy, curls east and shoots north. Although the surface brightness becomes quite low, the arm extends well beyond the main body for a total length of ~7'! At the northern end is a low surface brightness larger patch about 5.5' NE of center. The tips of the spiral arms are over 9' apart.

24" (2/22/14): excellent view at 200x and 375x. This beautiful barred spiral is sharply concentrated with an extremely bright, mottled core. A prominent central bar runs along the major axis, extending ~2'x0.4' SSW-NNE. The central bar is the brightest portion of an more oval, brighter central region, ~2.0'x1.0'. Just beyond the northeast end of the central bar is a bright, irregular "knot" (NGC 2905) where the northern spiral arm attaches. This arm bends sharply to the west (clockwise), but only curves for ~1' and quickly fades, as if it was angled towards us. A prominent arm (more cleanly separated from the central region) is attached at the south-southwest end of the bar where there is another brighter, irregular "knot". The southern arm bends east and then north, paralleling the orientation of the bar and extending as far north as the core, perhaps just beyond a mag 13.7 star 2' ESE of center. A darker dust lane separates this arm from the central region.

18" (2/14/10): beautiful view of this barred spiral at 175x. The galaxy extends 2:1 SSW-NNE, roughly 8'x4', with a slightly brighter bar running through the major axis. The center is sharply concentrated with a very bright clumpy core. At the SSW end of the main body a faint arm emerges and sweeps around to the east. Near the NNE end of the central bar is a brighter knot (NGC 2905) and beyond the knot is a fainter and less defined arm that curves around a short distance to the west.

17.5" (1/31/87): this is one of the brightest non-Messier galaxies. Very bright and large, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 10'x4'. A very faint knot is involved on the NNE side 1.2' from center = NGC 2905. An extremely faint knot is also symmetrically placed opposite the core on the SW end 1.2' from center. The galaxy has a dusty, mottled appearance with knots and arcs easily visible with averted vision.

17.5" (3/23/85): a second knotty region is definitely visible on the SW edge. Lord Rosse mentions these two knots as "thickened regions".

13.1" (12/22/84): very bright, elongated bright core. Contains a very faint knot at the north end = NGC 2905.

8": bright, large, elongated, bright mottled core.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2903 = H I-56 = h604.I on 16 Nov 1784 (sweep 318) and recorded "cB, cL, a small bright spot in the middle; at first sight appears very much elongated, but by careful attention it appears to consist of two; the nf of which less bright than the sp, though nearly of the same size and shape with the former, it has also a brightish spot in the middle but not nearly so brilliant as the other; dist of the center about a minute." JH recorded on sweep 244, "I. 56 is vB; E; gbM; r[esolvable]. Long attentions shows a vF, L, R, neb attached n f." NGC 2905 = h604.II is the "neb attached n f" and refers to the northeast spiral arm (or a brighter region in the spiral arm).

LdR first observed this galaxy on 24 Mar 1846 and noted "a tendency to an annular or spiral arrangement discovered." On 9 Mar 1848 Romney Robinson, director of Armagh Observatory and a regular observer at Rosse's Birr Castle, commented "Night excellent, a spiral seen in an oblique direction, resolved well, particularly towards the vB centre." LdR was a bit more conservative in his assessment of spiral structure and didn't include this galaxy in his table of 16 spirals in the 1850 Philosophical Transactions paper. A published sketch from 5 Mar 1848 shows multiple spiral arms with a knot embedded (NGC 2905), though a note was added later by Dreyer that "the engraving does not agree with the numerous sketches taken later..."

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NGC 2904 = ESO 434-006 = MCG -05-23-003 = PGC 26981

09 30 17.0 -30 23 05

V = 12.4; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 90d

17.5" (2/1/03): fairly faint, fairly small, 3:2 oval E-W, 0.8'x0.5'. Contains a brighter core with a very thin outer envelope. Located 4' W of mag 8.8 SAO 200441 and 15' S of mag 7.7 SAO 177562. There are several ESO galaxies within 20' which I didn't search for.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2904 = h3170 on 11 Apr 1834 and logged "F; S; vlE; psbM; 15". Very dilute at the edges." His position matches ESO 434-006.

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NGC 2905 = NGC 2903

09 32 11.9 +21 31 10

48" (4/18/15): NGC 2905 is the brightest of several luminous patches along the central bar. This irregular knot is located very near the north-northeast end of the central bar at the point where two spiral arms (extending west) emerge from the arm.

24" (2/22/14): just beyond the northeast end of the central bar is a fairly bright, irregular "knot" (NGC 2905) where the northern spiral arm attaches to the bar. This arm bends sharply to the west (clockwise), but only curves for ~1' and quickly fades.

17.5" (5/10/86): very large knot or arc at the NNE edge of a spiral arm in NGC 2903. Easily visible with averted vision.

13.1" (12/22/84): very faint knot or arc at NE edge of arm of NGC 2903.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2905 = H I-57 = h604.II on 16 Nov 1784 (sweep 318) and recorded (together with NGC 2903) "cB, cL, a small bright spot in the middle; at first sight appears very much elongated, but by careful attention it appears to consist of two; the nf of which less bright than the sp, though nearly of the same size and shape with the former, it has also a brightish spot in the middle but not nearly so brilliant as the other; dist of the center about a minute."

JH recorded on sweep 244, "I. 56 is vB; E; gbM; r[esolvable]. Long attentions shows a vF, L, R, neb attached n f." NGC 2905 is the "neb attached n f" and refers to the northeast spiral arm (with a brighter starcloud or HII region). George Stoney's sketch at Birr Castle on 5 Mar 1848 shows multiple spiral arms, along with an embedded knot on the northeast side. RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7), although Type 35 = nebulous region in a galaxy, would probably be more appropriate.

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NGC 2906 = UGC 5081 = MCG +02-25-001 = CGCG 063-001 = PGC 27074

09 32 06.3 +08 26 30

V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 75d

17.5" (4/13/91): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, broadly concentrated halo, brighter along the major axis. A mag 12 star is 2.9' SW and a mag 11 star 3.6' SSW.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2906 = H II-495 = h606 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 497) and logged "F, pL, E, iF." His position is 1' northwest of UGC 5081 = PGC 27074 and the identification is certain. JH made two observations and recorded "F; not vS; R; glbM."

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NGC 2907 = MCG -03-25-002 = PGC 27048

09 31 36.6 -16 44 07

V = 11.6; Size 1.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 115d

13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, 1.4'x0.7, bright core, stellar nucleus. A small group of four mag 11-13 stars lies roughly 4' SW.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2907 = H II-506 = h607 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and logged "pB, S, lE, mb towards the sf side." JH recorded "F; bM; lE s f; 30" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 2908 = UGC 5152 = MCG +13-07-034 = CGCG 350-029 = PGC 27831

09 43 31.6 +79 42 05

V = 14.1; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5

17.5" (4/6/02): faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, low but uneven surface brightness. A mag 10 star is 6' ENE. Located 35' NNW of a mag 6.1 star.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2908 = H III-977 on 26 Sep 1802 (sweep 1111, his second to last sweep) and logged "eF, vS, iF. I also saw it with 300x." Caroline Herschel's reduced position is 3' north of UGC 5152. This was one of 6 galaxies found by Herschel that evening after Caroline discovered that the third list of nebulae submitted to the Royal Society included only 497 nebulae, instead of the intended 500. A few nights later (30 Sep 1802) he made his last sweep for new nebulae and the last three nebulae were found. Not observed by JH or LdR.

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NGC 2909

09 36 59.9 +65 56 26

=**?, Gottlieb. =NF, Thomson.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2909 = h605 on 12 Mar 1828 and logged "eF; S; psbM; 12"." There is nothing near his position and this object was not recorded on any other sweeps to verify the position. RNGC and CGCG misidentify CGCG 312-021 as NGC 2909 although JH's position is more than 40' west of this galaxy. A 13" pair of mag 14-15 star is close to JH's position, and the only plausible candidate, though perhaps he made some large error in recording the position.

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NGC 2910 = ESO 166-SC017 = Cr 209

09 30 29 -52 54 48

V = 7.2; Size 5'

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): ~50 stars are resolved in an oval or "racetrack" outline oriented NW-SE, perhaps 6'x4', with outliers making the group rounder. Includes a half-dozen stars brighter than mag 11. The SE end of the oval has a rich subgroup over unresolved haze. No concentration, in fact the center of the "racetrack" is nearly devoid of stars!

John Herschel discovered NGC 2910 = h3171 on 10 Apr 1834 and recorded "Cluster of loose stars; p rich; stars 11...15m; has rather a vacancy in the middle; fills about 2/3 of field." On a later sweep (763) he measured an accurate position on a bright star at the southeast side of the cluster.

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NGC 2911 = Arp 232 = UGC 5092 = MCG +02-25-003 = CGCG 063-007 = PGC 27159

09 33 46.1 +10 09 09

V = 11.5; Size 4.1'x3.2'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 140d

17.5" (2/20/88): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, bright core, faint stellar nucleus. Brightest in a group with NGC 2914 4.8' SE and UGC 5093 8.1' SSE. Forms a close pair with PGC 27167 1.3' ENE (misidentified as NGC 2912 in RNGC, PGC and Megastar). In Lowrey's 48", PGC 27167 appeared faint, small, round, low even surface brightness, 15"-18" diameter. A mag 16.1 star is 26" E.

13.1" (4/29/84): fairly bright, fairly small, round, distinctive small bright nucleus.

8" (4/24/82) : faint, small, diffuse.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2911 = H II-40 = h608 on 11 Mar 178 (sweep 163) and recorded "A nebula between two pretty considerable stars. Brightest in the middle, but not cometic. Faint and perhaps 30" dia, almost R and the extremities of it lose themselves gradually." He swept the field again on 3 Mar 1786 and discovered nearby NGC 2914.

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NGC 2912

09 33 56.9 +10 11 33

V = 16.1

17.5" (2/20/88): mag 14.3 star situated 3.6' NE of NGC 2911. Misidentified as a "nova" by Schultz.

Herman Schultz discovered NGC 2912 on 3 Apr 1870 with the 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala Observatory and recorded "eF; follows h608 [NGC 2911] some seconds about 2' N; but not observable". I'm not sure of the meaning of his last comment but 1.3' ENE of NGC 2911 is PGC 27167, an extremely faint and small, low surface brightness galaxy, which the RNGC identifies as NGC 2912.

But this galaxy is too faint to be included in the CGCG and MCG and is extremely unlikely to have been seen by Schultz with a 9.6" scope. I missed detecting this galaxy in my 17.5" and it was not found by Bigourdan, though of course it was not difficult in Lowrey's 48". Instead, Corwin suggests NGC 2912 more likely refers to a mag 14.3 star 3.6' NE of NGC 2911.

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NGC 2913 = UGC 5095 = MCG +02-25-005 = CGCG 063-009 = PGC 27184

09 34 02.7 +09 28 45

V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 140d

17.5" (2/20/88): extremely faint, fairly small, even surface brightness.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2913 on 10 Mar 1864 with Lassell's 48" and recorded "vF, pL, iR." His position matches UGC 5095 = PGC 27184.

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NGC 2914 = Arp 137 = UGC 5096 = MCG +02-25-006= CGCG 063-010 = PGC 27185

09 34 02.8 +10 06 31

V = 13.2; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 15d

17.5" (2/20/88): faint, very small, slightly elongated. A mag 15 star is off the east edge 36" from the center. A mag 11 star lies 1.6' NW. Forms a trio with NGC 2911 4.8' NW and UGC 5093 4.8' S.

13.1" (4/29/84): faint, very small, faint stellar nucleus.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2914 = H III-513 = h609 on 3 Mar 1786 (sweep 534) and recorded "eF; vS; stellar; 240 verified it." His position is 1.4' NW of UGC 5096 = PGC 27185. He has a similar offset error for nearby NGC 2911, the previous object is the sweep. Dreyer recorded from Birr Castle "F, S, R, bM, vF star 3/4' following."

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NGC 2915 = ESO 037-003 = PGC 26761

09 26 13.0 -76 37 37

V = 12.7; Size 1.9'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 129d

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x appears moderately bright and large, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, ~1.0'x0.6'. Appears slightly brighter at the NW end. An easy pair of mag 12-13 stars (25" separation) lies 4.5' NW. Located 8.4' NE of a mag 8 star.

NGC 2915 is classified as an unusual Blue Compact Dwarf. A significant percentage of its mass is within an extended neutral hydrogen halo that extends to nearly 20'x12' and within a massive halo of dark matter.

A very faint globular, E3, lies 43' SSW. At 200x, three faint stars were resolved over a 1' low surface brightness hazy glow with no concentration. In addition two brighter field stars are situated at the outside edge of the glow. At 260x, a fourth superimposed star was glimpsed, though these are possibly line of sight stars and perhaps the cluster, itself, was unresolved. Although situated 43' SSW of NGC 2915 the precise position was pinned down moving 13' W of a mag 7.7 star using a 16" pair of mag 12/14 stars (situated at the midpoint of this line) as a reference.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2915 = h3174 on 31 Mar 1837 and logged "pF; pL; R; gbM; 45"." His position matches ESO 037-003 = PGC 26761.

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NGC 2916 = UGC 5103 = MCG +04-23-011 = CGCG 122-021 = PGC 27244

09 34 57.7 +21 42 19

V = 12.1; Size 2.5'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 20d

17.5" (1/31/87): fairly bright, moderately large, bright core, elongated SSW-NNE. A mag 12.5 star is 1.7' SSW of center.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2916 = H II-260 = h610 on 16 Nov 1784 (sweep 318) and recorded "F, pS, lE." His position (Caroline Herschel's reduction) is just off the south side of UGC 5103. George Stoney, using LdR's 72" on 9 Mar 1850, logged "D Nucl or D * in it, light unequal, another * susp. preceding the brighter of the D one." His description matches a (single) star superimposed just north of the nucleus.

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NGC 2917 = UGC 5098 = MCG +00-25-002 = CGCG 007-003 = PGC 27207

09 34 26.9 -02 30 16

V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 169d

17.5" (2/13/88): faint, small, elongated NNW-SSE, brighter core. A mag 10 star (SAO 136961) is 2' SE.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2917 = m 170 on 6 Feb 1864 and logged "pF, S, mbM." His position matches UGC 5098 = PGC 27207.

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NGC 2918 = UGC 5112 = MCG +05-23-019 = CGCG 152-032 = PGC 27282

09 35 44.1 +31 42 20

V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 65d

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.8', bright core has a slight even concentration down to an occasional faint stellar nucleus. Located at midpoint of two mag 13.5 stars 2.5' S and 2.5' N.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2918 = H III-298 = h611 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 386) and logged "vF, vS, iR, lbM." JH recorded "F; R; vsbM almost to a *." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 2919 = UGC 5102 = MCG +02-25-007 = CGCG 152-032 = PGC 27232

09 34 47.5 +10 17 01

V = 12.9; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 159d

17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated NNW-SSE, halo gradually brightens. Flanked by two mag 13.5 stars 2.0' E and 2.0' N of center. Two mag 9.5 stars are about 5' SE. NGC 2911 lies 18' WSW.

13.1" (4/29/84): faint, very elongated NNW-SSE. Located 17' ENE of NGC 2911.

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2919 = T I-24 on 1 Feb 1877 and a micrometric position, matching UGC 5102 = PGC 27232, was given in list V-4. The NGC position is 21 sec of RA too far east.

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NGC 2920 = ESO 565-015 = PGC 27197

09 34 12.1 -20 51 33

V = 13.0; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 129d

17.5" (3/8/97): faint, small, slightly elongated, 30"x25" (NW-SE?). A mag 15 star is just off the following end about 20" from the center. Forms a pair with NGC 2921 5.8' SE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2920 = h3172 on 1 Feb 1837 and logged "eF; S; R: the preceding of two [with NGC 2921]." His position is ~1' E of ESO 565-015.

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NGC 2921 = ESO 565-017 = MCG -03-25-006 = PGC 27214

09 34 31.3 -20 55 13

V = 12.0; Size 2.8'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 83d

17.5" (3/8/97): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, 1.4'x0.8', broad concentration to a 15" core. A mag 14 star is just off the NW side [53" from the center]. Forms a pair with NGC 2920 5.8' NW. Located 33' NW of NGC 2935.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2921 = H III-597 = h3173 on 24 Dec 1786 (sweep 663) and logged "vF, S, R, vglbM. His position is within 1' of ESO 565-017 = PGC 27214. JH made two observations and on sweep 770 discovered NGC 2920.

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NGC 2922 = UGC 5118 = MCG +06-21-057 = CGCG 181-066 = PGC 27361

09 36 52.4 +37 41 41

V = 14.1; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 103d

17.5" (3/12/94): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.4', appears brighter on the western half. A string of mag 11.5-13.5 stars runs E-W through the 20' field including a mag 13.5 star 39" SW of center. The western end of this unusual string begins at a mag 11.5 star which is 2.7' W of NGC 2922 and ends at an 11th magnitude star which is 18' E of NGC 2922. IC 2493 lies 21' SSW.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2922 = St XIII-48 on 18 Mar 1884. His position matches UGC 5118 = PGC 27361.

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NGC 2923 = CGCG 092-008 = PGC 27306

09 36 03.8 +16 45 37

V = 14.2; Size 0.3'x0.3'

17.5" (4/6/02): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. Required averted to glimpse intermittently once exact position identified. Surprisingly faint and small for a mag 15.2z galaxy. Located at the western edge of a faint group of galaxies (brightest member NGC 2943).

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2923 = m 171 on 1 Apr 1864 and simply noted "vF". His position is 2' north of Marth's position is 2' N of CGCG 092-008 = PGC 27306.

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NGC 2924 = MCG -03-25-008 = VV 808 = PGC 27253

09 35 10.8 -16 23 54

V = 12.0; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 150d

13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, very small, round, faint stellar nucleus. A faint mag 14 star (similar in brightness to the nucleus) is off the SE edge, 1.0' from center.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2924 = h3175 on 12 Feb 1836 and logged "pB; R; 20"." His position matches MCG -03-25-008 = PGC 27253.

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NGC 2925 = ESO 166-SC022 = Cr 210

09 33 11 -53 23 48

V = 8.3; Size 12'

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 142x and 184x): scattered cluster with 60+ stars mag 8.5 and fainter in a 10' region. The brightest stars roughly define the outline, including mag 8.5 HD 82812 at the west end. On the south side is HJ 4221, a 9.4/9.9 pair at 15" and three mag 9-10 stars are on the east side. Mag 7.7 HD 82737 lies 13' SW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2925 = h3177 on 5 Jan 1837 and recorded "a pretty rich cluster, 8th class; a double star (one of the chief) taken." His position is at the southeast edge of the cluster and the double is HJ 4221.

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NGC 2926 = UGC 5125 = MCG +06-21-060 = CGCG 181-071 = PGC 27400

09 37 31.0 +32 50 30

V = 13.4; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 120d

17.5" (3/12/94): faint, fairly small, round, 45" diameter, unconcentrated. A mag 14.7 star is 1.5' SW. Located 4.3' S of mag 9.2 SAO 61602.

Johann Palisa discovered NGC 2926 on 27 Mar 1886 with the 12-inch refractor at the Vienna University Observatory. His micrometric position in AN 2782 matches UGC 5125. The same night he discovered NGC 2944 and Oppenheim found NGC 2981.

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NGC 2927 = UGC 5122 = MCG +04-23-016 = CGCG 122-032 = PGC 27385

09 37 15.2 +23 35 26

V = 12.9; Size 1.9'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 155d

17.5" (4/15/93): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.8', even concentration in halo down to a very small brighter core, halo fades into background. Located 14' WNW of mag 8.0 SAO 80939.

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2927, along with NGC 2929, 2930 and 2931, on 21 Feb 1863 and roughly recorded "F, pL, R, 25"-35"." His position (measured on 4 nights) matches UGC 5122.

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NGC 2928 = MCG +03-25-005 = CGCG 092-011 = PGC 27380

09 37 10.1 +16 58 38

V = 14.2; Size 1.1'x0.6'; PA = 40d

24" (2/22/14): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.4', weak concentration. Located 3.7' NW of a mag 10.4 star. On a line with NGC 2933 11' ENE and NGC 2943 (brightest in the group) 20' ENE.

17.5" (2/1/03): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.5', low surface brightness, weak concentration. Located 3.7' NW of a mag 10.4 star. First in the NGC 2943 group which extends about 40' to the east.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2928 = m 172 on 1 Apr 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and reported "vF, S, R, bM." His position is 1' NW of CGCG 092-011 = PGC 27380. This is the 2nd of 7 galaxies discovered that night in the NGC 2943 group.

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NGC 2929 = UGC 5126 = MCG +04-23-017 = CGCG 122-034 = Holm 134b = PGC 27398

09 37 29.9 +23 09 39

V = 13.7; Size 1.2'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 144d

17.5" (4/15/93): first and largest of a close trio in a line. Faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.3'. A mag 13 star is 1.7' NW. Located 10' NE of mag 7.1 SAO 80931 at the edge of the field. NGC 2930 lies 2.8' NNE and similar brightness to NGC 2931 5' NNE.

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2929, along with NGC 2930 and 2931, on 21 Feb 1863. His position, measured on 3 nights, matches UGC 5126 = PGC 27398.

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NGC 2930 = MCG +04-23-018 = CGCG 122-035 = Holm 134a = PGC 27404

09 37 32.7 +23 12 12

V = 14.1; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 135d

17.5" (4/15/93): second and faintest of three. Very faint, small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE. A mag 13 star is 1.7' SW. In a tight trio with NGC 2929 2.8' SSW and NGC 2931 2.5' NNE.

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2930, along with NGC 2929 and 2931, on 21 Feb 1863. His position, measured on 3 nights, matches CGCG 122-035 = PGC 27404.

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NGC 2931 = MCG +04-23-019 = CGCG 122-036 = Holm 134c = PGC 27415

09 37 37.7 +23 14 26

V = 13.9; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 70d

17.5" (4/15/93): third of three with NGC 2930 2.5' SSW and NGC 2929 5' SSW. Faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, weak concentration. A mag 12 star is 2.6' E.

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2931, along with NGC 2929 and 2930 on 21 Feb 1863. His position, measured on 3 nights, matches CGCG 122-036 = PGC 27415. He noted a mag 14-15 star (mag 12 in my observation) follows by 11 seconds of time.

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NGC 2932 = ESO 261-**10 = [KPS2012] MWSC 1694

09 35 54 -46 55

Size 60'

18" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 91x; it took a few minutes to identify the field with certainty as the general region is fairly uniformly rich and no detached Milky Way patches stood out. Using a printed finder chart, I identiied a few distinct astermism within this Milky Way staar field. John Herschel referred to a very large field, 1 to 1.5 degrees, but my eye caught a brighter, more condensed region centered about 09 35 15 -46 52 that was noticeably elongated SW-NE and extended ~15'x6'. At the southwest end was mag 8.6 HD 83152 and at the northeast was mag 9.4 HD 83265. This group is identified in SIMBAD as [KPS2012] MWSC 1694.

To the east of this grouping is a much smaller 6' string oriented WSW-ENE (centered about 09 36.4 -46 58) with a mag 9.9 star at the WSW tip. Close east is mag 8.6 HD 83444 and a curling stream of stars is to its south. Finally, just to the southwest of this field is mag 7.7 HD 82729 as well as a distintive 2' group of 4 stars including mag 9.2 HD 82851.

This observation, made at 2:30 AM with the object at an elevation of ~20°, completed the entire NGC!

John Herschel discovered NGC 2932 = h3179 on 3 Mar 1837 and recorded "This is about the middle of an enormous cluster of 1 deg or 1.5 deg, very rich in stars of all magnitudes, from 8m downwards, which merits registry as a sort of telescope Praesape. It may be regarded as a detached portion of the milky way." RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2933 = UGC 5132 = MCG +03-25-008 = CGCG 092-015 = VV 808 = WBL 229-001 = PGC 27436

09 37 55.0 +17 00 52

V = 14.5; Size 0.9'x0.3'; PA = 30d

24" (2/22/14): at 375x appeared faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 24"x8", even surface brightness. Situated 1.6' NNE of a mag 10 star and 9' W of NGC 2943, the brightest member of the group (WBL 229). NGC 2934 (faintest member) lies 2.4' N.

17.5" (3/29/89): extremely faint, small, round, very diffuse. A mag 11 star is 1.5' SSW. Located 11' N of mag 7.9 SAO 98681. Forms a pair with NGC 2943 9' E.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2933 = m 173 on 1 Apr 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and reported "F, vS, lE, sp of 2 [with NGC 2943]." His position is 1' N of UGC 5132 = PGC 27436. This is the 3rd of 7 galaxies discovered that night in the NGC 2943 group. A very faint edge-on is at the NE tip and RNGC, UGC, MCG and PGC identify the system as NGC 2933/2934, but NGC 2934 is more likely a separate galaxy 2.4' N. See that listing.

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NGC 2934 = PGC 1523531

09 37 55.2 +17 03 16

V = 15.8; Size 0.4'x0.3'

24" (2/22/14): at 375x appeared extremely to very faint, extremely small, round, just 6" diameter. It took some effort to initially identify and is comparable to a mag 15.9 star just 0.8' E. Situated 2.4' N of NGC 2933. This is the faintest of 7 NGC galaxies in the NGC 2943 group (WBL 229).

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2934 = m 174 on 2 Apr 1865 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and only noted "eF". Dreyer added "nf of 2 [with m173 = NGC 2933], but NGC 2933 was discovered a year earlier. His position is 3 tsec of RA east and 2' N of NGC 2933. An extremely faint edge-on is at the NE tip of NGC 2933 and UGC misidentifies this galaxy as NGC 2934. Assuming Marth went back to verify the group in 1865 and picked a nebula near NGC 2933, the most likely candidate is PGC 1523531, situated 2.4' due north of NGC 2933. Karl Reinmuth misidentifies NGC 2934 with a faint star 0.8' east: "neb*14, vS, R; eeeF neb or * p 0.8' [this refers to NGC 2934], *12.5 nnf 1.2', 2 cF S neb np 7.2' and nnp 3.8'." This was the last nebula that Marth discovered on Malta and one of the faintest!

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NGC 2935 = ESO 565-023 = MCG -03-25-011 = UGCA 169 = PGC 27351

09 36 44.8 -21 07 41

V = 11.4; Size 3.6'x2.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 165d

17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, high surface brightness. A couple of mag 14 stars are superimposed and a mag 12.5 star is just off the SE end 2.1' from center. Appears brighter at the SW end. NGC 2921 lies 33' NW.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2935 = H II-556 = h3178 on 20 Mar 1786 (sweep 542) and logged "pB; cL; iR; vgbM." On 24 Dec 1786 (sweep 663) he noted "pB; vS; R; mbM." JH made two observations, recording on sweep 561: "pB; vS; gmbM; lE; 25" l, 20" br."

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NGC 2936 = Arp 142 NED2 = VV 316a = Holm 135a = UGC 5130 = MCG +01-25-006 = CGCG 035-015n = PGC 27422

09 37 44.2 +02 45 39

V = 13.1; Size 1.6'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 35d

48" (2/20/12): bright disrupted galaxy with a highly irregular surface brightness and a curving shape with a faint tail. At 375x and 488x, the central region is extended E-W, roughly 30"x20", with a very small bright nucleus. A low surface brightness "tail" is attached on the west side of the bright central region. The relatively broad tail sweeps south-southwest for ~45", gradually dimming out due west of the center of NGC 2937. The tail significantly increases the overall dimensions of the galaxy to at least 1.2'x0.6'.

Forms a close pair with NGC 2937 to the south with the cores of the galaxies separated by less than 1'. A mag 13 star is 1' NW and just beyond is LEDA 1237172, a very low surface brightness streak extending ~18"x5" NW-SE. Arp describes LEDA 1237172 as a "shred" or "jet" of NGC 2936.

17.5" (3/25/95): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 E-W, 0.8'x0.6'. A mag 13/14 double star at 18" separation is 1' NNW and two mag 13.5/14 stars at 36" separation are 2' NNE. Forms a very close pair with NGC 2937 0.8' S.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2936 = m 175 on 3 Mar 1864, along with NGC 2927, and simply noted "vF, iR." His position is 1' S of UGC 5130. The dimensions of NGC 2936 and 2937 appear reversed in the RC3 and MCG.

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NGC 2937 = Arp 142 NED3 = Arp 142:C1 = VV 316b = Holm 135b = UGC 5131 = MCG +01-25-007 = CGCG 035-015s = PGC 27423

09 37 45.0 +02 44 50

V = 13.7; Size 0.8'x0.4'; PA = 15d

48" (2/20/12): bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE, 0.5'x0.25', high surface brightness, very small intense nucleus. Forms a close pair with highly disrupted NGC 2936 with the cores of the galaxies separated by less than 1'.

17.5" (3/25/95): faint, very small, round. Appears as a fairly high surface brightness "knot" located just off the south edge of NGC 2936. No outer halo visible.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2937 = m 176 on 3 Mar 1864, along with NGC 2926, and noted "F, S, like a neb*." His position matches UGC 5131. The dimensions of NGC 2936 and 2937 appear reversed in the RC3 and MCG.

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NGC 2938 = UGC 5115 = MCG +13-07-032 = CGCG 350-027 = PGC 27473

09 38 24.0 +76 19 10

V = 13.5; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 105d

17.5" (1/28/89): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, even surface brightness.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2938 = H III-963 on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096) and logged "eF, S, iF." This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors. The corrected position using Greenwich plates (MN, 71, 509, 1911), matches UGC 5115 and Dreyer repeated this position in the notes to his 1912 edition of WH's catalogues.

By examining the original sweep records, Wolfgang Steinicke found that the irregular errors were a result of the northern sweep not being aligned with the meridian (off in azimuth by 7°). The reduced positions found by Caroline Herschel, were made of course, assuming a meridian sweep. Once corrected the identifications of these 15 galaxies is revealed.

JH observed what he assumed was his father's III-963, and recorded h612 as "eF; has a coarse double star 3' following." His position and description is very close to a mag 15 star. He used his father's description and added "D * f 3'." in the GC description. The MN article equates h612 with a faint star preceding the double star. So, NGC 2938 = UGC 5115 is only equated with III-963, and not h612.

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NGC 2939 = UGC 5134 = MCG +02-25-011 = CGCG 063-022 = PGC 27451

09 38 08.1 +09 31 23

V = 12.5; Size 2.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 154d

17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 2940 5.6' N. IC 548 lies 5.4' SSE (not seen).

William Herschel discovered NGC 2939 = H III-4 = h614 on 18 Jan 1784 (sweep 82) and recorded (full text) "A nebula. About 2/3 degree prec. & about 10' foll of 14 Leonis, a very faint nebula or cl of suspected stars. A triangle is situated just north of it, but the nebula is so faint that is best to be seen when the stars are drawn out of the field. These 3 or 4 stars are visible in the finder in the shape of a small nebula." His position (from sweep 534 on 3 Mar 1786) is 3' northwest of UGC 5134 = PGC 27451.

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NGC 2940 = MCG +02-25-012 = CGCG 063-023 = PGC 27448

09 38 05.2 +09 37 00

V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9

17.5" (2/20/88): faint, small, irregularly round, small bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 2939 5' S.

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2940 = T 1-25 in 1877 with the 11" refractor at Arcetri and placed 5' N of NGC 2939 (the actual separation is 5.6'). He mentioned that d'Arrest missed this object.

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NGC 2941 = MCG +03-25-009 = CGCG 092-017 = Holm 136b = WBL 229-002 = PGC 27470

09 38 24.2 +17 02 40

V = 14.4; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 167d

24" (2/22/14): fairly faint, small, elongated ~2:1 N-S, 20"x12", a mag 15 star is 1' NW. NGC 2943 (brightest in the group WBL 229) is 2.2' ESE.

17.5" (3/29/89): very faint, very small, slightly elongated. A mag 14 star is 1.2' NW. Located 2.2' WNW of NGC 2943 in a group.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2941 = m 177 on 1 Apr 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and reported "eF, vS, lE." Dreyer added "p of 2 [with NGC 2943]" in the NGC description. His position is close north of CGCG 092-017 = PGC 27470. This is the 3rd of 6 members of the NGC 2943 group he discovered that night.

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NGC 2942 = UGC 5140 = MCG +06-21-065 = CGCG 181-076 = PGC 27527

09 39 08.0 +34 00 23

V = 12.6; Size 2.2'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 165d

17.5" (3/12/94): faint, round, moderately large, 2.0' diameter, very weakly concentrated, halo reaches 2/3 of the way to a mag 14 star just 1.4' W of center. A mag 11.5 star is 3.0' ESE and a mag 12 star lies 4.6' WNW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2942 = h613 on 6 Mar 1828 and logged "vF; vL; lE parallel to meridian; vgbM; has a * 10m following." His position and description matches UGC 5140.

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NGC 2943 = UGC 5136 = MCG +03-25-011 = CGCG 092-019 = Holm 136a = WBL 229-003 = PGC 27482

09 38 32.9 +17 01 52

V = 12.5; Size 2.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 130d

24" (2/22/14): at 375x appeared moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~40"x27", very weak concentration in then halo the increases suddenly to a small bright core. A mag 15 star is 0.9' SE of center and a mag 15.5 star is 0.7' SW of center. Brightest in a group (WBL 229) with NGC 2941 2.2' WNW.

17.5" (3/29/89): brightest in a group with NGC 2941 2.2' WNW and a faint companion (MCG +03-25-012) 2.7' NE. Faint, small, oval NW-SE, weak concentration. A mag 15 star is 1' SSE. The group extends one degree E-W and includes NGC 2923, NGC 2928, NGC 2933, NGC 2934 (not seen), NGC 2941, NGC 2943, NGC 2946 and NGC 2949.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2943 = m 178 on 1 Apr 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and reported "F, S ,iR, bM." Dreyer added "f of 2 [with NGC 2941]" in the NGC description. His position is accurate. This is the 4th of 6 galaxies discovered in the cluster on this night (NGC 2944 was picked up a year later).

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NGC 2944 = Arp 63 = VV 82a = UGC 5144 = MCG +06-21-067 = CGCG 181-078 = PGC 27533

09 39 18.0 +32 18 38

V = 14.0; Size 1.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 95d

48" (4/18/15): At 697x, this double (or possibly triple) system appeared moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 E-W, ~36"x12", weak concentration. A small roundish knot (SDSS J093916.79+321837.7 ) attached at the west end has a moderately high surface brightness and a diameter of 8"-10". On the SDSS this "knot" appears to be the core of a merged interacting companion! VV 82b is another interacting companion, just 27" SE of center. It appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 10" diameter. It was only visible with averted for short periods. PGC lists a photographic mag of 18.6.

The double system Arp 129 = VV 83 = UGC 5146 is 3.5' NNE. At 697x; the eastern component appeared moderately to fairly bright, small, round, high surface brightness, ~20" diameter. A mag 12 star, superimposed on the western component VV 83a = MCG +06-21-071 is just 30" WSW. The western component of Arp 129 appeared fairly faint, fairly small, roundish, nearly even surface brightness? Although easily visible, the view is significantly impaired by the 12th magnitude star and the galaxy was only visible on the east side of the star.

18" (4/14/12): faint to fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 E-W, ~30"x18", slightly brighter core. Arp 63 is a merged double system with a third very faint companion 30" SE, which was not seen.

The double system Arp 129 lies just 3.8' NE. The eastern component (MCG +06-21-072) appeared faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. There is a relatively bright star superimposed on the western component (MCG +06-21-072), making confirmation difficult.

17.5" (4/25/98): extremely faint, very small, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, slightly brighter core but overall low surface brightness. Collinear with two mag 13 stars 3.4' and 4.4' NE. This double system was not resolved under noticeably hazy sky conditions and soft seeing. UGC 5146 = Arp 129, another double system, lies 3.7' NE.

Johann Palisa discovered NGC 2944 on 27 Mar 1886 with the 12-inch refractor at the Vienna University Observatory. His micrometric position in AN 2782 matches UGC 5144. This is a disrupted double or triple system in contact. The listed dimensions (from UGC) are for the combined system. The same night Palisa also discovered NGC 2926 and Samuel Oppenheim discovered NGC 2981. See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

NGC 2944 is in the Arp category of Spiral Galaxies with small, high surface-brightness companions on arms. Vorontsov-Velyaminov also considered this a pair of galaxies, although VV 82a appears to be double itself.

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NGC 2945 = ESO 565-028 = MCG -04-23-010 = PGC 27418

09 37 41.1 -22 02 06

V = 12.2; Size 1.6'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 168d

17.5" (3/8/97): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, broad concentration with no nucleus. A mag 14 star follows 1.1' E of center and a mag 15 star is off the west end 0.8' from center.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2945 = h3180 on 23 Jan 1835 and recorded "F, S; R; glbM; 2 or 3 small stars near." His position and description (two observations) matches ESO 565-028 = PGC 27418.

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NGC 2946 = UGC 5143 = MCG +03-25-013 = CGCG 092-020 = WBL 229-004 = PGC 27521

09 39 01.6 +17 01 31

V = 14.0; Size 1.2'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 13d

24" (2/22/14): at 375x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 25"x10", weak concentration. Located 6.9' due east of NGC 2943 (brightest in the group WBL 229-004).

17.5" (3/29/89): extremely faint, very small, elongated N-S. Located 6.7' E of NGC 2943 in a group. On a line with three mag 14 stars just SE oriented NNW-SSE.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2946 = m 179 on 1 Apr 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and reported "vF, S, E." His position matches UGC 5143 = PGC 27521. This is the 5th of 6 galaxies discovered that night in the NGC 2943 group.

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NGC 2947 = IC 547 = IC 2494 = MCG -02-25-004 = PGC 27309

09 36 05.8 -12 26 13

V = 12.4; Size 1.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 25d

17.5" (3/25/95): fairly faint, round, 1.2' diameter, almost even surface brightness, well-defined outer edge to halo. Two mag 11 stars are off the SE edge 1.6' and 2.1' from the center. Incorrectly listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 2947 = LM I-156 on 6 May 1886 and reported "mag 15.0, 1.1' dia, iR, gbM." There is nothing at his rough position (nearest min of RA), but 2.2 tmin west is MCG -02-25-004 = PGC 27309. Since this galaxy matches in declination, and the LM positions are generally 1-2 minutes of RA too large, this identification is very likely.

Stephane Javelle independently discovered NGC 2947 on 20 Apr 1892 with the 30-inch refractor at Nice and measured an accurate micrometric position. Dreyer assumed J. 1-165 was new and he recatalogued it as IC 547. Finally, NGC 2947 was independently found by Lewis Swift on 20 Feb 1898, listed as XI-95, and catalogued a third time as IC 2494. Swift's position is 10 sec of RA too far west and 3' too far north, but Howe measured an accurate position that was adopted in the IC. So, NGC 2947 = IC 547 = IC 2494. MCG labels the galaxy as IC 547, as the position is accurate.

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NGC 2948 = UGC 5141 = MCG +01-25-007 = CGCG 035-020 = PGC 27518

09 38 59.2 +06 57 19

V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 7d

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.7', weak concentration. A mag 14.5 star is just off the east edge of the south extension 0.9' from center. Located between a mag 9.5 star 4.0' SW and wide pair of mag 11/13 stars 3' NE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2948 = H III-519 = h615 on 24 Mar 1786 (sweep 543) and logged "vF, pL, vgvlbM; between two groups of stars in a directions from np to sf." His position matches UGC 5141.

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NGC 2949 = CGCG 092-025 = PGC 27579

09 39 56.2 +16 47 15

V = 14.7; Size 0.8'x0.45'

17.5" (3/29/89): extremely faint, very small, very low surface brightness, visible with averted only. Located at the east end of the NGC 2943 group. This observation may refer to PGC 27573 (8' S of NGC 2949), which MCG and PGC misidentify as NGC 2949.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2949 = m 180 on 1 Apr 1864 and recorded "vF, query: double?" His position maches the double system CGCG 092-025 = PGC 27579, so both components could have received an NGC designation. MCG and PGC (as well as secondary sources such as Megastar) misidentify CGCG 092-024 = MCG +03-25-017 = PGC 27573 as NGC 2949. This galaxy is 8' N of NGC 2949. The identification is correct in CGCG and RNGC.

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NGC 2950 = UGC 5176 = MCG +10-14-032 = CGCG 289-016 = PGC 27765

09 42 35.1 +58 51 04

V = 10.9; Size 2.7'x1.8'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 145d

17.5" (3/12/88): bright, very small, almost round, sharp concentration with a very small and very bright core surrounded by a small faint halo. A mag 14.5 star is 0.8' WSW of center.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2950 = H IV-68 = h616 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 952) and recorded "vB, S, exactly R, BMN, vF cheveulure very gradually joining to the north. Possibly in a lower situation the chevelure might be invisible, and this nebula put on the appearance of a a very ill defined planetary, one of 6-8 or 10" diam." CH's reduced position is 2' south of UGC 5176. On sweep 404, JH logged "pB; R; smbM; almost to a star. Has a * 11m 20s p and 15" or 20" N."

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NGC 2951 = MCG +00-25-006 = CGCG 007-017 = PGC 27562

09 39 40.4 -00 14 07

V = 14.1; Size 0.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.1

17.5" (2/13/88): very faint, very small, round. Located 2' S of the line joining two mag 9.5 stars 3.1' NE (SAO 117834) and 4.6' NW. This double system was not resolved.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2951 = m 181 on 6 Feb 1864 and recorded "pF, S, E." His position matches CGCG 007-017 = PGC 27562. This is a merged double system (the dimensions refer to the combined system) oriented east-west.

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NGC 2952 = PGC 27411

09 37 37.0 -10 11 00

V = 14.5; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 9d

18" (4/14/12): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. Just visible continuously with averted at 283x. Located 40' NW of mag 6.3 HD 83650.

Frank Muller discovered NGC 2952 = LM II-414 in 1886 with the 26-inch refractor at the Leander McCormick observatory and recorded "mag 15.5, 0.6' dia, iR, sbM, *9.5 f 30s." There is nothing at his position but 2.0 tmin west and 3' south is PGC 27411. A mag 11 star follows by 30 sec of RA so despite the poor position, this identification is very likely. RNGC classified NGC 2952 as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2953

09 40 27.7 +14 50 37

=*? Corwin, =NF, RNGC.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2953 = h3182 on 18 Mar 1836 (along with NGC 2954 = h3181) and noted as a "suspected nebula". A note was added "These suspicions have been so constantly verified on re-observations, that I have little hesitation in registering it as an object in the catalogue." Only a rough position was given, but the offset is 6' south of NGC 2954, which was measured on the same sweep and whose position is pretty accurate. There are nothing non-stellar near his position, but within 1' of this offset is a mag 14.5 star (isolated, so there are no other good candidates) and Harold Corwin suggests this is probably the "suspected nebula." RNGC classifies the number nonexistent.

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NGC 2954 = UGC 5155 = MCG +03-25-019 = CGCG 092-026 = PGC 27600

09 40 24.1 +14 55 22

V = 12.4; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 160d

17.5" (4/15/93): moderately bright, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, bright core, fairly high surface brightness. Located on a line with two mag 12 stars 1.8' NNW and 2.5' NNW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2954 = h3181 on 18 Mar 1836 and recorded "vF; R; 20". Another suspected [NGC 2953] 6' south, nearly on the same parallel. His position is at the north edge of UGC 5155. There is nothing near his position for NGC 2953, and it likely refers to a faint star.

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NGC 2955 = UGC 5166 = MCG +06-21-073 = CGCG 181-082 = PGC 27666

09 41 16.6 +35 52 56

V = 12.9; Size 1.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 162d

17.5" (4/18/98): fairly faint, elongated 5:3 NNW-SSE, broad concentration to a slightly brighter core. The core contains a slightly brighter nucleus with direct vision. A mag 15 star is at the west edge 32" from the center. Located 2.2' N of a mag 12 star. There is a faint "star" 2' N which seemed slightly nebulous in appearance, but the DSS reveals this to be a close pair of mag 15 stars.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2955 = H III-541 = h620 on 28 Mar 1786 (sweep 549) and recorded "cF; S; iF; resolvable." CH's reduced position is 2' north of UGC 5166. JH described h620 as "F; pL' R' vglbM; 30"; has a *18 mag 30" p." The star is just where he placed it, though close to 15th-magnitude.

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NGC 2956 = ESO 565-034 = PGC 27531

09 39 17.0 -19 06 04

V = 14.4; Size 0.9'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 55d

18" (2/23/06): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. Forms the western vertex of an equilateral triangle with sides of length 3' with a mag 10 star to the ENE and a mag 11 star to the SE. I couldn't hold this galaxy steadily using averted vision. The DSS reveals faint extensions to the SW and NE that were not visible.

Frank Muller discovered NGC 2956 = LM II-415 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 12.0, 0.4' dia, R, *9.5 at 3.8' in PA 130° [SE]." His position is 3.8' south of ESO 565-034 = PGC 27531 and the description of the nearby star matches.

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NGC 2957 = MCG +12-10-001+2 = CGCG 332-064 = CGCG 33-002 = Mrk 121 = PGC 28119

09 47 18.2 +72 59 02

V = 14.5; Size 1.0'x0.4'

17.5" (4/4/92): faint, very small, round, broad concentration. A mag 14 star is 25" off the SW edge and 40" from the center. Forms a pair with NGC 2963 2.8' ESE. The RNGC incorrectly equates NGC 2957 with NGC 2963 so both are plotted as one object on the U2000.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2957 = h617 on 4 Nov 1831 and simply recorded "eF; has a *13m near." There is nothing at his position, but exactly 1 min of RA east is CGCG 332-064 (double system) and a mag 13 star is off the SW edge, matching the description. Also, his position of nearby NGC 2963 (discovered by his father) carries the same offset.

Looking over the RNGC data, it is clear that the entry for NGC 2957 is simply a duplicate of NGC 2963. This error was included in my RNGC Corrections #4.

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NGC 2958 = UGC 5160 = MCG +02-25-015 = CGCG 063-033 = PGC 27620

09 40 41.7 +11 53 18

V = 13.2; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 10d

17.5" (4/13/96): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE. Broad and weak concentration with a fairly low surface brightness. A mag 12.5 star lies 4' WSW. "Frosty Leo" nebula lies 13' NW. Observation made through thin clouds.

17.5" (3/25/95): fairly faint, fairly small, 40" diameter, round, very weak concentration. A mag 12 star lies 4.3' WSW.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2958 = St IX-20 on 7 Mar 1877 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory. His position matches UGC 5160 = PGC 27620.

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NGC 2959 = UGC 5202 = MCG +12-09-062 = CGCG 332-061 = PGC 27939

09 45 08.9 +68 35 41

V = 12.8; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2

17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, halo brightens to a small bright core. A mag 14 star is 1.3' W of center. Forms a close pair with NGC 2961 1.5' ENE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2959 = h618 on 28 Oct 1831 and logged "F; R; pL; vglbM; 40"; is south of a small group of stars." His position matches UGC 5202 = PGC 27939.

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NGC 2960 = UGC 5159 = MCG +01-25-009 = CGCG 035-026 = Mrk 1419 = PGC 27619

09 40 36.4 +03 34 37

V = 12.4; Size 1.8'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 40d

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 2.7' WNW of a mag 10.5 star.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2960 = h621 on 4 Mar 1826 and logged "vF; R; gbM." His position is 6 sec of RA east and 1.4' north of UGC 5159 = PGC 27619.

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NGC 2961 = (R)NGC 2959A = MCG +12-09-063 = CGCG 332-063 =PGC 27958

09 45 22.4 +68 36 30

V = 14.7; Size 1.1'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 136d

17.5" (4/4/92): extremely faint, very small, round, brighter core, averted only. Forms a close pair with NGC 2959 1.5' WSW.

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 2961 on 26 Dec 1873 during the observation of GC 1893 = NGC 2959. He noted it as "cF, S, lE 152.6°, gbM. Several stars near." His micrometric offset is 77.3" in PA 57.4° from NGC 2959. This is a good match with CGCG 332-063 although CGCG does not label this entry as NGC 2961.

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NGC 2962 = UGC 5167 = MCG +01-25-011 = CGCG 035-028 = PGC 27635

09 40 53.9 +05 09 57

V = 11.9; Size 2.6'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 3d

17.5" (1/31/87): fairly faint, small, oval N-S, small bright core. Collinear with a mag 11.5/14 double star at 24" separation just 1.5' NNE. A line of three mag 11/12 stars of 1.0' length lies 5' SSE.

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2962 = m 182 on 10 Dec 1864 and noted "F, vS, vlE, psbM." His position matches UGC 05167. Hosted SN 1995D discovered on 10 Feb 1995, 11 sec of RA east and 90" south of the nucleus.

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NGC 2963 = UGC 5222 = MCG +12-10-003 = CGCG 332-065 = CGCG 333-003 = Mrk 122 = PGC 28155

09 47 50.4 +72 57 52

V = 13.5; Size 1.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 165d

17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, broadly concentrated halo, faint extensions. A wide double star mag 11/13 is 1.8' S of center (30" separation in PA 45°). Forms a pair with NGC 2957 3' WNW.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2963 = H III-315 = h619 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and noted "eF, vS, 240x confirmed it." CH's reduced position is 2.4' northwest of UGC 5222. He missed nearby NGC 2957, which was found by JH.

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NGC 2964 = UGC 5183 = MCG +05-23-027 = CGCG 152-056 = Mrk 404 = KTG 25A = PGC 27777

09 42 54.2 +31 50 50

V = 11.3; Size 2.9'x1.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 97d

24" (2/22/14): at 260x appeared bright, fairly large, oval 5:3 E-W, 1.8'x1.1'. Sharply concentrated with a very bright, very small nucleus. Slightly brighter through the major axis like a bar. Outside the nucleus the surface brightness is irregular, with a slight dip in brightness just north and south of the nucleus [dust or dust lanes]. A brighter arm extends E-W along the south side of the halo and a weak arm runs parallel along the north side. Brightest in a linear trio (KTG 25) with NGC 2968 6' NE and NGC 2970 11' NE.

13.1" (2/23/85): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3 E-W, brighter core. Brightest in a group with NGC 2968 5.8' NE and NGC 2970 11' NE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2964 = H I-114 = h622, along with NGC 2968, on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and recorded "cB, cL, iF, mbM."

This galaxy was observed 14 times at Birr Castle and interesting structure was noted. On 1 Feb 1856, R.J. Mitchell described "h622 [NGC 2968] has nucleus and is mE, its light is very unequal, and I suspect one dark lane running throughout its length south of nucleus; * in preceding edge?" The dark lane probably refers to a dip in brightness between the nucleus and the southern spiral arm.

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NGC 2965 = UGC 5191 = MCG +06-22-003 = CGCG 181-086 = CGCG 182-004 = PGC 27813

09 43 19.1 +36 14 52

V = 13.4; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 85d

17.5" (4/18/98): fairly faint, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 1.2'x0.8', gradually increases to a brighter and nucleus with direct vision. Located 3.5' NNE of a mag 11.5 star. Brightest in a group including CGCG 181-084 5.5' WSW and NGC 2971 6.8' SE (see descriptions), although fainter companions off the south side were not seen.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2965 = H III-751 = h623 on 31 Dec 1788 (sweep 902) and logged "eF, S, doubtful, not having been out long enough." On a second sweep in Feb 1789 he recorded "eF, vS, 300x confirmed it." JH has an unusual description, "vF, R, bM, filamentous (i.e. as if filaments hung round it; an effect probably of diverging lines of small stars, as in M13...)." There are some faint companions on the south side which he may have glimpsed. Both WH and JH missed nearby NGC 2971, which was discovered by Stephan with the 31" at Marseilles.

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NGC 2966 = UGC 5181 = MCG +01-25-013 = CGCG 035-033 = Mrk 708 = PGC 27734

09 42 11.5 +04 40 23

V = 12.6; Size 2.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 72d

17.5" 1/31/87): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated WSW-ENE, unusual appearance. A mag 13 star is attached at the NW end 30" from center and a faint star is west of the core.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2966 = St XIII-49 on 16 Mar 1884 and recorded "vF* in vF, lE neby east-west, F* precedes 2 sec of RA" His position and description matches UGC 5181.

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NGC 2967 = UGC 5180 = MCG +00-25-007 = CGCG 007-020 = PGC 27723

09 42 03.3 +00 20 11

V = 11.6; Size 3.0'x2.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 65d

17.5" (1/31/87): fairly faint, moderately large, almost round, very gradual central brightening.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2967 = H II-275 = h626 on 20 Dec 1784 (sweep 348) and recorded "pF, S, R, bM, near 1' dia." On a later sweep he logged "pB, cL, iR." His position (2nd sweep) is ~2.5' west of UGC 5180. JH called it "pB; L; R; vglbM; 75"; r; well observed (and correctly reduced)." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2968 = UGC 5190 = MCG +05-23-029 = CGCG 152-058 = KTG 25B = PGC 27800

09 43 12.0 +31 55 43

V = 11.7; Size 2.3'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 45d

24" (2/22/14): at 260x appeared fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.7', sharply concentrated with a very bright, small elongated core. There appears to be a mottled or knotty section just northeast of the core.

13.1" (2/23/85): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, weak concentration. Second of three on a line with NGC 2970 5.1' NE and NGC 2964 5.8' NW.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2968 = H II-491 = h624, along with NGC 2964, on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and logged "pB, pL, iF, lbM." JH observed this galaxy on 4 sweeps and 14 observations were made at Birr Castle.

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NGC 2969 = MCG -01-25-021 = Mrk 1235 = PGC 27714

09 41 54.5 -08 36 11

V = 13.1; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.4

18" (3/11/07): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, very weak concentration.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2969 = H III-527 = h628 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 547) and logged "cF, pL, iR, vgbM." His position (CH's reduction) is 1.2' NW of MCG -01-25-021 = PGC 27714 and two later measures were taken as well.

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NGC 2970 = MCG +05-23-030 = CGCG 152-059 = Mrk 405 = KTG 25C = PGC 27827

09 43 31.0 +31 58 37

V = 13.6; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4

24" (2/22/14): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, ~24"x20", sharp concentration with a very small bright nucleus. Faintest in a nearly collinear triplet with NGC 2968 5' SW and NGC 2964 11' SW.

13.1" (2/23/85): very faint, very small, even surface brightness. Third and faintest of three on a line with NGC 2968 5.1' SW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2970 = h627 on 6 Mar 1828 and reported "F; the foll and most northern of 3 [with NGC 2964 and 2968]." His position is 2.4' NNW of CGCG 152-059 = PGC 27827 but the NGC position is accurate. On 18 Mar 1857, R.J. Mitchell (observing with the 72") called it "F, R?, bM, * in centre." Dreyer added the comment in the NGC, "Not seen by d'Arrest, but often observed at Birr Castle."

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NGC 2971 = UGC 5197 = MCG +06-22-005 = CGCG 181-087 = CGCG 182-005 = PGC 27843

09 43 46.1 +36 10 46

V = 14.0; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 135d

17.5" (4/18/98): very faint, small, irregularly round, 30" diameter, weakly concentrated. A mag 11 star lies 7' W. Located 6.8' SE of NGC 2965 in a group.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2971 = St XIII-50 on 26 Mar 1884. His position matches UGC 5197. Dorothy Carlson mistakenly calls NGC 2971 nonexistent in her 1940 NGC correction paper.

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NGC 2972 = NGC 2999 = ESO 212-SC11 = Cr 211

09 40 13 -50 19 18

V = 9.9; Size 4'

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x, three dozen stars are resolved in a 4' group. Most of the stars are arranged in two intersecting rows forming an "X" shape. One part of the "X" is a 2' E-W string through the center of the group. A few brighter stars are south of this string and these form another string that intersects and continues to the NW. Also a 15" pair is less than 2' N of the E-W string. Located about 2.5' W of a brighter mag 9.4 star.

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2972 = D 397 = h3183 on 9 May 1826 and recorded "a very small faint round nebula, about 15 arcseconds diameter, with two or three exceedingly small stars slightly involved in it, and another small star about 1' south of it." His position is 6.6' too far ESE, within his usual errors. On the sweep of 18 Feb 1836, JH measured an accurate position and described "a small pretty compressed cluster; irregular figure; 4' in extent. Not rich stars, 13th mag." NGC 2999 is likely a duplicate observation.

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NGC 2973

09 41 32.4 -30 05 22

=** or ***, Corwin

John Herschel discovered NGC 2973 = h4018 on 5 Feb 1837 and recorded "eF, pS, *8 f"." It was included in a "supplementary nebulae" list at the end of the Cape catalogue (h4016 to h4021) which Dreyer identified as "h o n" (John Herschel Omitted Object) in the NGC. There is no nebula at his position, but nearby is a double star at 09 41 32.4 -30 05 22 (J2000). In addition, an 8th magnitude star is 4' due east, matching JH's description. There is also a wider triple star at 09 41 34.7 -30 02 54, which is another candidate.

RNGC and ESO misidentify ESO 434-016 as NGC 2973, although this galaxy is 3.5 minutes of RA preceding and 6' south of JH's position. Furthermore there is not matching bright star. The Uranometria 2000.0 atlas (first edition) plots NGC 2973 at the position of ESO 434-016. Listed in my RNGC Corrections #5.

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NGC 2974 = NGC 2652 = MCG +00-25-008 = CGCG 007-022 = UGCA 172 = PGC 27762

09 42 33.0 -03 41 59

V = 10.9; Size 3.5'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 42d

13.1" (4/29/84): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.4'x0.7', diffuse, even surface brightness. A mag 10 star is superimposed at the southwest end 0.7' from the center.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2974 = H I-61 on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 353) and logged "pB, vS, just following a star of about 9m." His position (5 sec of RA too large) and description matches CGCG 007-022 = PGC 27762. Dreyer measured an accurate micrometric position using the 72" on 4 Mar 1877.

Ormond Stone found the galaxy in 1886 at Leander McCormick Observatory (LM II-406) but made a 1 hour mistake in RA and Dreyer recatalogued it as NGC 2652.

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NGC 2975 = PGC 27664

09 41 16.1 -16 40 28

V = 14.6; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.5

18" (4/14/12): extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter. Required averted vision and could only hold for brief periods. There is a mag 15.5 star 35" NE that also occasionally popped and it was a bit confusing to disguish the two objects at 250x as they were about the same magnitude. A couple of times the galaxy and star both popped simultaneously.

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 2975 = LM I-157 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1.0 tmin following and 1' north of PGC 27664, a typical error, so this identification is very likely.

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NGC 2976 = UGC 5221 = MCG +11-12-025 = CGCG 312-023 = PGC 28120

09 47 15.3 +67 55 00

V = 10.2; Size 5.9'x2.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 143d

17.5" (2/8/91): bright, large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 4.5'x2.0', large brighter center but no core, mottled with an irregular patchy surface brightness. A mag 13 star is at the west edge 1.0' from the center and a mag 14 star is just off the NW edge 2.6' from center.

8": moderately bright, fairly large, elongated, even surface brightness.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2976 = H I-285 = h625 on 8 Nov 1801 (sweep 1100) and recorded "vB, vL, E from np to sf, about 6' l and 2' br." JH made a single observation (sweep 411) and noted "B; vL; mE in pos = 332.4°; vgvlbM, 3' l, 1' br; has several S stars in in, and one 12m nearly at right angles to the axis of extension." Several involved stars or nearby stars were micrometrically measured at Birr Castle.

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NGC 2977 = UGC 5175 = MCG +13-07-035 = CGCG 350-030 = PGC 27845

09 43 46.7 +74 51 35

V = 12.5; Size 1.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 145d

17.5" (1/28/89): moderately bright, fairly small, oval NW-SE, large bright core.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2977 = H I-282 on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096) and logged "cB, pL, iF." This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors. The corrected position using Greenwich plates (MN, 71, 509, 1911) matches UGC 5175 and Dreyer repeated this position in the notes to his 1912 edition of WH's catalogues. MCG does not label MCG +13-07-035 as NGC 2977. See NGC 2938 for more on sweep 1096 or Harold Corwin's full story in his notes for NGC 3752.

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NGC 2978 = MCG -01-25-029 = PGC 27808

09 43 16.8 -09 44 45

V = 12.7; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 85d

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, round, even surface brightness. Situated among a group of 10 mag 13-14 stars and just west of a line connecting a mag 12.5 star 1.2' SSE and a mag 13 star 1.4' NE which have a separation of 2.1' N-S. Forms a pair with NGC 2980 8' N.

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2978 = Sw III-46 on 10 Mar 1886 to the south of NGC 2980. His position is 16 sec of RA west and 1' south of MCG -01-25-029 = PGC 27808. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898 (repeated in the IC 2 notes). It seems odd that both WH and JH missed this galaxy while observing NGC 2980.

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NGC 2979 = NGC 3050 = MCG -02-25-012 = PGC 27795

09 43 08.6 -10 23 01

V = 12.8; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 30d

17.5" (4/15/93): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.5'x0.8', weak concentration. Located 5.5' SSW of a mag 10.5 star.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2979 = H III-521 = h631 on 25 Mar 1786 (sweep 544) and recorded "cF, pS, lE." His position (CH's reductin) is just off the northwest edge of MCG -02-25-012 = PGC 27795.

Frank Muller independently found this galaxy in 1886 and recorded in list II-418, "mag 14.0, 0.6' dia, vlE 200°, gbMN." Dreyer assumed this was a new object and catalogued it again as NGC 3050. His position is 9 min of RA too large, but the description (specifically the position angle) matches. So, NGC 2979 = NGC 3050.

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NGC 2980 = MCG -01-25-028 = PGC 27799

09 43 12.0 -09 36 47

V = 13.0; Size 1.6'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 160d

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, broad weak concentration. Pair with NGC 2978 8' S.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2980 = H III-528 = h632 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 547) and logged "vF; L; E nearly in the meridian." His position is 6 sec of RA east of MCG -01-25-028 = PGC 27799. JH made two observations, though only one good position.

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NGC 2981 = UGC 5208 = MCG +05-23-032 = CGCG 152-062 = PGC 27925

09 44 56.6 +31 05 52

V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 95d

17.5" (4/18/98): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration. A mag 12 star lies 1.0' SE of center. Observation through thin clouds.

Samuel Oppenheim discovered NGC 2981 on 27 Mar 1886 with the 12" refractor at Wien University Observatory. His micrometric position is 1.3' north of UGC 5208 (probably an error in the offset star). Dreyer credited Palisa in the NGC, but Steinicke notes that Oppenheim is mentioned in the discovery note by Weiss in 1887 (AN 2782). This galaxy is Oppenheim's only NGC discovery. The same night, though, Palisa discovered NGC 2926 and NGC 2944.

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NGC 2982 = ESO 262-SC1 = OCL-770 = Ru 80? = Lund 516?

09 42 00 -44 00 30

Size 12'x6'

14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 142x and 184x): bright, distinctive group of stars, roughly 10' x 6' E-W. About three dozen stars are resolved with many of the brighter mag 10.5-11.5 stars in a zig-zag pattern extending west to east. The brightest mag 10 star on the southeast end forms a wide 30" pair with an 11th mag companion. Another mag 12.5/13.5 pair at 15" is less than 2' NE. A 4' line of four mag 11-11.5 stars oriented NW-SE passes through the center and the remaining brighter stars are scattered within the outline.

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2982 = D 468 = h3184 on 24 Jun 1826 and recorded "a very faint easily resolvable nebula, extended about 10' long, and 4' or 5' broad: no central condensation." His position is 8.5' west of the center of the cluster.

JH probably found the cluster on 28 Feb 1837 and logged "a cluster of about 20* 11m, and 2 of 10m, forming an oblong nearly in parallel; place of preceding *10m". But no bright star is near his position. He modified the declination 30' further north when he recorded this object as GC 1910 (repeated by Dreyer in NGC) but this position does not correspond with a cluster either. But an additional 10' north of the GC/NGC position is this group of brighter stars and his RA matches the southwest member of a wide pair of mag 10 stars at the southeast side of the group. JH did not list an equivalence with D 468, so he may have felt it was a different object due to the discrepancy in position.

Lynga does not list NGC 2982. MCG misidentifies MCG+05-28-059 as NGC 2982. RNGC classifies the number nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2983 = ESO 566-003 = MCG -03-25-017 = UGCA 176A = PGC 27840

09 43 41.1 -20 28 38

V = 11.8; Size 2.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 95d

17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, bright substellar nucleus, faint halo 3:2 WSW-ENE. A very faint anonymous galaxy is 5.0' SSW. Located 7.1 SSE of mag 6.7 SAO 177893.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2983 = H III-289 = h3185 on 10 Mar 1785 (sweep 382) and logged "vF; S; lbM. The (offset) star being at such a distance the PD is marked uncertain." Still, his position on this sweep was just 2' southeast of ESO 566-003. On 20 Mar 1786, he logged "F; vS; large stellar." JH called this galaxy "pB; R; bM; r." and measured a more accurate position.

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NGC 2984 = IC 556 = UGC 5200 = MCG +02-25-025 = CGCG 063-053 = PGC 27838

09 43 40.4 +11 03 39

V = 13.4; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6

17.5" (4/1/00): faint, small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration. The halo, which fades at the edges, increases to ~0.6' with averted vision. A mag 14.5 star is close SSW (33" from center) and a slightly brighter star lies 0.9' NE.

NGC 2984 forms a pair with IC 557 7' SE. The companion appeared faint, very small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 30"x15", weak concentration, very faint stellar nucleus at moments. The elongation was not always evident, so often I was just viewing the slightly brighter core.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2984 = H III-34 = h633 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 172) and recorded "vS, the faintest imaginable. I was a great while before I could verify its being a nebula; however after having convinced myself with 240x, I saw it also very well with 157. The evening is uncommonly beautiful." There is nothing at his position (except stars), but 1 min 19 sec of RA west and 3.5' south is UGC 5200. This is an unusually poor position (observed on only this one sweep), This galaxy was observed twice by JH, but he never measured the RA, so it shares the same offset and even his PD was noted as very rough. Dreyer carried over this poor position into the NGC.

Stephane Javelle independently found the galaxy on 22 Apr 1892 and placed J. 1-168 (later IC 556) accurately. Karl Reinmuth mentioned he couldn't find NGC 2984 in Dreyer's place using Heidelberg plates and questioned if it was equal to IC 556, probably as there are no other reasonable candidates in the vicinity. UGC, CGCG and MCG label this galaxy as IC 556 and RNGC calls it NGC 2984. See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 2985 = UGC 5253 = MCG +12-10-006 = CGCG 332-067 = CGCG 333-004 = PGC 28316

09 50 22.1 +72 16 44

V = 10.4; Size 4.6'x3.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 0d

17.5" (4/4/92): bright, moderately large, irregularly round, gradually increases to a very bright well-defined core, stellar nucleus. The faint outer halo extends to 2.0' diameter reaching a mag 12.5 star at the east edge of the halo 1.0' from center. NGC 3027 lies 25' ESE.

8": moderately bright, bright core, fairly large.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2985 = H I-78 = h629 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and recorded "vB, cL, mbM and the brightness confined to a pretty small space." His position is 35 sec of RA too far east (equivalent to 2.7'). JH logged "vB; R; pgmbM; 50"; has a *13 m following 1' distant, exactly in the parallel." His position is 50 sec of RA too far west (only 4' at this declination).

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NGC 2986 = ESO 566-005 = MCG -03-25-019 = UGCA 178 = PGC 27885

09 44 15.9 -21 16 41

V = 10.8; Size 3.2'x2.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 105d

17.5" (2/28/87): bright, small, round, bright core, faint halo. A mag 14 star is 2.0' WSW. Forms a pair with ESO 566-004 2.3' WSW (just preceding the mag 14 star). The companion appeared very faint, small, diffuse.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2986 = H II-311 on 10 Mar 1785 (sweep 382) and logged "F, pL, mbM. I partly suspect a very small, faint one preceding it about a minute or two, but it may be only a few close very small stars." The comment about a "faint one preceding it about a minute or two" appears to refer to ESO 566-004 (Steinicke concurs), which was also picked up in my 17.5". WH observed NGC 2986 again during sweeps 542 ("cB; S; mbM; irr R") and 660, but did not mention the companion, so it did not receive a H-designation of NGC number. Engelhardt measured an accurate micrometric position.

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NGC 2987 = UGC 5220 = MCG +01-25-017 = CGCG 035-047 = PGC 27981

09 45 41.4 +04 56 30

V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 160d

17.5" (3/25/95): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, weak even concentration to a small brighter core and a faint stellar nucleus. A mag 15 star is 1.4' SE.

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2987 = St XIII-51 on 25 Mar 1884. His position matches UGC 5220.

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NGC 2988 = MCG +04-23-032 = CGCG 122-078w = PGC 28078

09 46 47.8 +22 00 42

V = 14.8; Size 0.9'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 35d

17.5" (4/15/93): extremely faint, very small, round, cannot hold with averted but definitely seen, possibly elongated ~N-S. Located just off the west side of NGC 2991.

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2988 on 19 Feb 1855 with LdR's 72" and recorded "The preceding one [NGC 2991] is double, its companion [NGC 2988] being close preceding; lE sp nf?"

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NGC 2989 = ESO 566-009 = MCG -03-25-020 = PGC 27962

09 45 25.3 -18 22 27

V = 13.0; Size 1.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 38d

13.1" (4/10/86): faint, small, round, weak concentration. Collinear with a wide pair of mag 10/11 stars 3' SE with a separation of 56".

John Herschel discovered NGC 2989 = h3186 on 12 Feb 1836 and logged "F; R; gbM; precedes a coarse D star." His position is just off the southeast side of ESO 566-009 and the coarse double star is ~3' southeast.

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NGC 2990 = UGC 5229 = MCG +01-25-021 = CGCG 035-051 = PGC 28026

09 46 17.2 +05 42 31

V = 12.7; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 85d

17.5" (1/31/87): fairly faint, oval 3:2 ~E-W, 1.0'x0.7', weak concentration to a brighter core.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2990 = H II-624 on 29 Dec 1786 (sweep 672) and recorded "F, lE, about 1.5' l, not far from the parallel." His position is 15 sec of RA too far west and 2.5' too far south. Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position on 3 nights and noted the difference with WH's position.

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NGC 2991 = UGC 5233 = MCG +04-23-033 = CGCG 122-078 = PGC 28079

09 46 50.1 +22 00 50

V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, even concentration to a small bright core. A mag 12.5 star is 1.1' SSE. Forms a contact pair with NGC 2988 (discovered by Rosse) just off the west edge. NGC 2994 lies 7.5' NE.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2991 = h634 on 24 Feb 1827 and recorded "F; vS; bM. The s p of two [with NGC 2994]." His position is less than 30" north of the center of UGC 5233, though he missed NGC 2988 (found in 1855 with the 72"), which is attached on the west side.

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NGC 2992 = Arp 245 NED1 = MCG -02-25-014 = PGC 27982

09 45 41.9 -14 19 37

V = 12.2; Size 3.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 15d

48" (2/19/12): this disrupted galaxy is sharply concentrated with a very bright central region that is elongated ~5:2 SSW-NNE, ~1.0'x0.4'. The central region is well concentrated with an intense core that brightens to a brilliant nucleus.

I initially noted a faint arm extending 30" SSW of the central region but on a second eyepiece look I noticed this arm is twice that length, though the surface brightness is quite low in the outer portion. A long, brighter tidal arm stretches 2' NNE, placing the central region off-center along the 3.5' major axis. This arm or tail has a low surface brightness though brightens in a patch at the NNE end (2.2' NNE of center). A 2000 multi-wavelength study in AJ,120, 1238 concludes this patch (identified as Arp 245N in NED) is a tidal dwarf galaxy still in the process of formation. The western edge of the arm has a subtle curvature. With averted vision, extremely low surface brightness haze forms a bridge extending southeast from the core of NGC 2992 towards NGC 2993 (3' between centers).

13.1" (3/24/84): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, bright core. Forms an interacting pair with NGC 2993 2.9' SE.

13.1" (3/3/84): fairly faint, small, roundish, small brighter core.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2992 = H III-277 = h635 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 371) and recorded "Two [along with NGC 2993], vF, stellar, the most north and preceding [NGC 2992] is the largest. 240x showed the same. Distance 3 or 4'. The place is that of the preceding." His position is ~45 sec of RA too large (perhaps only recorded to the nearest min). JH measured an accurate position and noted NGC 2992 as "Not vF; R; bM; 30"." Bindon Stoney noted a mottled appearance with LdR's 72" in 1852.

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NGC 2993 = Arp 245 NED 2 = MCG -02-25-015 = PGC 27991

09 45 48.3 -14 22 07

V = 12.6; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 95d

48" (2/19/12): this is the smaller member of an excellent interacting pair (Arp 245) with NGC 2992 3' NW. At 488x it appeared very bright, moderately large, sharply concentrated with an intense central core that brightens to a very small brilliant nucleus. A single spiral arm is attached on the north side of the core and just begins to sweep east, but fades out after a length of ~0.6'. There is no counterpart on the south side, but extremely faint haze or a bridge can be seen with averted to the northwest of the core, extending towards NGC 2992. FGC 938, an extremely faint superthin, was glimpsed 3.9' SW.

13.1" (3/3/84): moderately bright, very small, round, weak concentration. A mag 13.5 star is 2' SSE. Forms an interacting pair with NGC 2993 2.9' NW.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2993 = H III-278 = h637, along with NGC 2992, on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 371) and recorded both as "Two, vF, stellar, the most north and preceding [NGC 2992] is the largest..." His position is poor in RA, but JH measured a very accurate one.

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NGC 2994 = UGC 5239 = MCG +04-23-035 = CGCG 122-082 = PGC 28122

09 47 16.1 +22 05 23

V = 13.1; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 125d

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, weak concentration. Forms the western vertex of an isosceles triangle with a mag 12.5 star 2.9' ENE and a mag 12 star 3.1' SE. In a trio with NGC 2991 and NGC 2988 7.5' SW.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2994 = h636 on 24 Feb 1827 and recorded "F; vS; R; bM. The n f of two [with NGC 2991]; pos 40° n f." His position is 1' southwest of UGC 5239.

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NGC 2995 = ESO 167-?004

09 44 03 -54 36 18

=Not found, ESO.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2995 = h3189 on 5 Apr 1837 and noted a "Cluster VIII class; at least 20* 11m and upwards, and many smaller." There is no clustering at his position and the ESO and RNGC list the number as "not found" and "nonexistent", respectively. Harold Corwin suggests NGC 2995 may refer to a "clump of stars roughly 20-25 min across centered about 10' north of JH's position." This scattered group (likely not a cluster) seems to fit JH's description, though its been low on my priority to confirm from the southern hemisphere.

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NGC 2996 = ESO 566-012 = MCG -03-25-022 = PGC 28049

09 46 30.1 -21 34 17

V = 12.5; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 115d

17.5" (4/1/00): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter. Gradually increases to a brighter core and occasional faint stellar nucleus. View hampered somewhat by a mag 10.5 star just 1.1' NE of center.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2996 = h3187 on 23 Mar 1835 and logged "vF; S; has a * 20 m 1' following. There is nothing at his position but 33 sec of RA east is ESO 566-012. Herbert Howe corrected the RA in his Nov 1900 list of NGC corrections (repeated in the IC 2 notes). He also noted that JH's description of a mag 20 star 1' following is in error, although a mag 10 star follows by 4 sec of RA and 0.3' north.

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NGC 2997 = ESO 434-035 = MCG -05-23-012 = UGCA 181 = PGC 27978

09 45 38.6 -31 11 25

V = 9.4; Size 8.9'x6.8'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 110d

48" (4/22/17): Gorgeous grand-design spiral at 375x! Appeared very bright and large, with the arms stretching roughly 7' E-W. The galaxy is sharply concentrated with a round, intensely bright nucleus ~30" diameter. The spiral arms were sharply etched by intra-arm dust and appeared similar to a photograph of the galaxy. One thick arm is attached to the core on the west or southwest side. It curls counterclockwise on the north side towards the east (fairly flat curvature) and includes a slightly bright patch on the northeast portion [1.6' from center]. This arm continues and bends south, passing just inside a mag 14.5 star [2.5' E of center], and then quickly fading out to the south of this star. The second prominent arm is attached to the core on its northeast side. It curls counterclockwise to the east on the south and contains a brighter knotty section (numerous HII regions are embedded) nearly 1' in length that's just inside a mag 12 star 2.2' SW of center. This arm turns abruptly to the north as it curls around the west side and ends on the northwest side of the halo.

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 215x, this beautiful, asymmetric face-on spiral extended ~7'x4.5' and was sharply concentrated with a very bright 40" core. The spiral structure is unusual with a very long, relatively thick arm that curves from west to east on the north side of the core. This arm then bends south on the east side and contains a very faint 20" HII knot situated northeast of the core [1.6' from center] and symmetrically placed opposite a mag 12 star in the outer halo on the southwest side. This HII region is identified in NED as NGC 2997:[MM 81] 306, from the 1981 paper "Morphology and Kinematics of the Ionized Gas in NGC 2997" by Milliard and Marcelin in A&A, 95, 59. A mag 14.5 star is near the end of this arm and due east of the core. To the west of the end of this arm the light level noticeably dips (this is a gap between the arms) as well as on the southeast side of the halo, giving an asymmetric appearance.

A second fainter outer arm running roughly SW to NE also wraps around the galaxy on the west and north side but at further distance from the core. This outer arm nearly reaches a mag 12 star on the southwest side (the one opposite the knot mentioned above) and then can be followed with more difficulty to the east where it attaches on the south side of the core.

13.1" (1/18/85): fairly bright, very large, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 4.5'x3.0', sharply concentrated with a bright core, no nucleus. A mag 13 star is at the SW edge of the halo 2.0' from center.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2997 = H V-50 = h3188 on 4 Mar 1793 (sweep 1033) and recorded "vF, vS, lbM, lE about 8' long and 5 or 6' broad, a little from sp to nf about 10 or 15°." This galaxy is the 5th most southerly object WH discovered.

James Dunlop observed the galaxy on 7 May 1826 and recorded D 622 as "a faint elliptical nebula, 2.5' long and 1.5' broad, with a small star involved in the western margin. His position is 15' too far NE, but the star involved on the southwest side seems to confirm the equivalence.

JH made two detailed observations (h3188): on 28 Jan 1835 he logged "pB, vL, R, very suddenly a little brighter in the middle, to a pretty distinct round nucleus 4" in diameter. Diameter of nebula = 15 sec of time. The nebulous atmosphere extremely dilute. A very remarkable object." On a later sweep he recorded "F, vL, first very gradually then very suddenly much brighter in the middle, to a nucleus (exactly like Halley's comet) as now (Feb. 16, 1836) seen in the equatorial; round; diam. in RA = 24 seconds. Has a 11th mag star S.p. just at the edge."

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NGC 2998 = UGC 5250 = MCG +07-20-051 = CGCG 210-036 = Holm 144a = PGC 28196

09 48 43.6 +44 04 52

V = 12.5; Size 2.9'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 53d

48" (5/14/12): at 488x appeared bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, ~2.4'x1.2', well concentrated with a large bright core that gradually increases to the center. Weak spiral structure is evident at the SW and NE ends. Brightest in a quartet with NGCs 3005, 3006 and 3008. In addition, MCG +07-20-052 (misidentified as NGC 3002) lies 4.6' ESE.

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, weak even concentration. A mag 11 star is 3.0' SW and a mag 13 star 1.9' NNW of center. Brightest in a group including NGC 3006 7' SE, NGC 3008 9.2' E and NGC 3005 6.4' NE.

William Herschel discovered NGC 2998 = H II-717 = h638 on 15 Jan 1788 (sweep 800) and logged "F, pL, iF, lbM." JH recorded "pB; irreg R; bM; resolvable." His position is 12 sec of RA too far east and 1' north of UGC 5250. Brightest in a group of faint galaxies which were later discovered with the 72".

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NGC 2999 = NGC 2972 = ESO 212-SC15

09 40 13 -50 19 18

V = 9.9; Size 4'

See observing notes for NGC 2972.

John Herschel discovered NGC 2999 = h3192 on 13 Apr 1834 and described "a small irreg cl of a long triangular diverging figure; contains perhaps 50 stars 12...15m. Observed for ∆397, and place only rough. Possibly the same object with sweep 680, No. 27, which see above (No. 3183 [= NGC 2972])." There is nothing near his position. Brent Archinal suggests NGC 2972 = NGC 2999 (the description applies), although JH's "rough" position is 5 tmin too large and Harold Corwin concurs.

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