Discovered by Pierre Méchain at the beginning of 1780.
[SP2 p. 659]
1783, Dec. 19 (Sw. 59). 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.
1786, Jan. 1 (Sw. 506). Very large milky nebulosity, terminating suddenly on
the north side; contains 2 pL. [pretty large (bright)] stars, they are on the
north side.
1786, Dec. 22 (Sw. 661). Milky nebulosity containing three stars, iF.
[irregularly formed], 5 or 6' long.
Sweep 107 (November 23, 1827)
RA 5h 38m 2.6s, NPD 90d 1' 59" (1830.0)
A v L wisp-shaped neb involving 3 st. It extends 5'; terminating abruptly
to n, but extending sf beyond the 3rd *.
A very large wisp-shaped nebula involving 3 stars. It extends 5'; terminating
abruptly to the north, but extending south-following [SE] beyond the third
star.
[Appendix]
[Figure on Plate XII, Fig. 36, No. 368, M. 78, RA 5h 38m 2s, NPD 90d 1']
Last Modification: October 21, 2005