Stephane Javelle discovered IC 5242 = J. 3-1421, along with IC 5243, on 9 Nov 1896. His micrometric position is accurate.

400/500mm - 18" (9/26/11): faint, fairly small, round, 0.4'. A mag 13.4 star is attached at the north end. Forms a pair with IC 5243 2.8' SE. Located 4' N of a distinctive string of 4 stars including mag 9.4 SAO 90705. Also situated 0.9° SE of NGC 7332/7339, a striking pair of edge-on galaxies.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb