Herbert Howe discovered IC 1602 = Ho II- on 16 Dec 1898 while observing NGC 309. He simply noted "vF, S, near NGC 309." and measured an accurate position.

600/800mm - 24" (12/21/16): at 282x; fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter, slightly brighter nucleus. IC 1602 is the brightest member of AGC 117 (light travel time of 738 million years). No others members were observed. Located 13' SW of NGC 309.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb