Lewis Swift discovered IC 2158 = Sw. XI-91 on 1 Dec 1897 and noted "vF; pS; lE; * in contact nf; north end like a brush." Swift added a note on its singular appearance with "one side expanding like a brush." His RA was 16 seconds too small although his description applies to ESO 425-007, though the star in contact is south-following. Herbert Howe's position, given in MN LX, p132, is accurate.

400/500mm - 17.5" (12/23/97): fairly faint, fairly small, 1.0'x0.7', elongated NW-SE, very weak concentration. Unusual appearance as a mag 11.5-12 star is attached at the SE end (30" from center) and the galaxy "hangs" from the star spreading out towards the NW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb