Stephane Javelle discovered IC 972 = J 1-272 on 25 May 1892 with the 30" refractor at the Nice Observatory. Although the IC position is accurate, Abell assumed it was new and included it as #37 in his list of new planetary nebulae found by inspection of the POSS. So, IC 972 = Abell 37.

300/350mm - 13.1" (4/10/86): at 79x and OIII filter appears fairly faint, fairly small, round, with an even surface brightness and sharp edges. Faint but visible without filter. Easily takes 166x with a UHC filter. No central star seen with or without a filter.

400/500mm - 17.5" (5/11/96): faint but easily picked up at 100x without filter as a moderately large, round disc less than 1' diameter. Nicely enhanced with OIII filter and appears moderately bright, crisp-edged and slightly elongated N-S, 45"x40". Also nice view at 100x with UHC filter. Located 6.7' S of mag 9.4 SAO 158326.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb