Rudolph Spitaler discovered IC 1317 = Sp 23 on 30 Sep 1891 with the 27-inch refractor in Vienna. His position is accurate, though he called it a "planetary nebula = mag 12 star, size 1/4' or slightly less, easily visible." Based on a Crossley plate taken Lick Observatory (1912), Charles Perrine also described a "faint planetary about 15" in diameter" (perhaps using Spitaler's comment).

400/500mm - 17.5" (7/8/94): fairly faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter, weak even concentration to a brighter core and faint stellar nucleus. A mag 12.5 star is 1.6' NNE and a mag 15 star is 40" NW. Described as a planetary in the IC.

17.5" fairly faint, extremely small, round, bright core, compact.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb