Herbert Howe discovered IC 2045 = Ho III-14 on 20 Jan 1900 and recorded "eF, eS, almost stellar; near [NGC] 1538." His position matches MCG -02-11-027 = PGC 14722. RNGC and PGC label this galaxy as NGC 1538 (see that number).

400/500mm - 17.5" (12/30/99): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, weak concentration. Situated between a mag 10 star 3' NE and a mag 9 star 5.5' SW. IC 2047 lies 5' ESE, but was not picked up.

600/800mm - 24" (12/22/14): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 20" diameter, very small slightly brighter core. Brightest in a small group including IC 2047 5' ESE and Holmberg 73 (pair) 8' ESE. This galaxy is sometimes identified as NGC 1538.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb