Stephane Javelle discovered IC 1042 = J. I-309 = Sw. 10A-7 = Sw. XI-174, along with IC 1039, 1041 and 1043, on 28 May 1891 and recorded "vF, R, 10" diameter, brighter center." In a footnote he mentioned "distinct from NGC 5718". Lewis Swift independently discovered the galaxy on 17 May 1892 and noted Sw. 10A-7 as "eeF, S, R, close D with 5718." Swift reobserved it again on 16 Sep 1896 from Echo Mountain in Southern California and reported it as new in his 11th discovery list, probably to make sure Dreyer didn't miss this discovery.

400/500mm - 17.5" (6/8/91): very faint, very small, low even surface brightness. Forms a double system (Arp 171) just off the WNW edge of NGC 5718. Member of the poor cluster MKW 8

600/800mm - 24" (6/18/12): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 24" diameter, weak concentration. Fainter member of a double system (Arp 171) with NGC 5718 at the WSW edge (haloes virtually in contact.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb