Stephane Javelle discovered IC 331 = J. 2-117, along with IC 329 and IC 330, on 4 Dec 1891. He reported "mag 13 star surrounded by nebulosity, nebulous character uncertain."

600/800mm - 24" (12/1/16): at 225x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, very small bright nucleus. IC 331 lies 2.6' E of mag 8.3 HD 21926 and is the third in a trio with IC 329 (2' WSW of the bright star) and IC 330. It's slightly brighter and larger than IC 329. Although none of these galaxies are bright, the arrangement with the bright star is striking.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb