E.E. Barnard discovered IC 4678 photographically using the 10-inch Bruce telescope at Mt. Wilson in July 1905. In describing the region surrounding M8 (see AN 4239), he mentioned "There is a small, elongated nebula in the position 1860.0 17h 59m 25s± -23d 53m±". Although there is nothing at that location, Harold Corwin suggests this refers to a small nebula northeast of M8, located about 1.5 min of RA west of Barnard's position, and centered at 18 06 32.3 -23 57 31. See Corwin's notes.

400/500mm - 17.5" (7/20/96): at 82x, very subtle glow around a pair of mag 8.5/10 stars. Somewhat difficult at low power to identify with certainty due to location in a rich Milky Way field and the nearby nebulous glow from M8. Better at 140x-220x, where a fairly obvious 3' glow is visible. No noticeable improvement with filters.

17.5" (6/8/96): at 220x a low surface brightness halo of 3' diameter is visible around a pair of mag 8/9 stars at 50" separation. Very weak if any enhancement with OIII filter (reflection nebula?). On photos the nebula is centered on the fainter SW mag 9 star.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb