Frank Muller discovered NGC 1018 = LM 2-343 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.0, 0.2'x0.1', E 180 (N-S), 2nd of 2 [with NGC 1014]." His position is 0.1 tmin west and 2' north of MCG -02-07-048 = PGC 9986, though NGC 1014 is a faint double star.

400/500mm - 17.5" (12/28/94): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, unconcentrated. Requires averted vision and cannot hold steadily. A mag 12 star is 2.2' SE. Located 22' NW of mag 6.7 SAO 148523. Appears fainter than listed V = 13.7.

600/800mm - 24" (2/5/13): faint to fairly faint, small, oval 4:3 N-S, 20"x15", weak concentration. A group of stars lies immediately to the east. NGC 1014, a close pair of stars, is 3' SW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb