William Herschel discovered NGC 1046 = H III-229 = h252, along with NGC 1044, on 7 Nov 1784 (sweep 308) , recording "Another still smaller and fainter about 1' following NGC 1044] suspected; but 240 power left it doubtful." John Herschel measured a fairly accurate position on 8 Jan 1828 (sweep 118).

400/500mm - 17.5" (10/29/94): faint, fairly small, round, 0.5' diameter, weak concentration. A mag 13.5 star is off the SE edge 48" from the center. Forms the third of three on a line with double system NGC 1044 2.0' NW and MCG +01-07-022 = CGCG 414-036 2.9' NW.

600/800mm - 24" (1/31/14): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration. A mag 14 star is 50" SE. Fourth of 4 in a 3' string oriented NW to SE line with NGC 1044 (double) 1.8' NW and CGCG 414-36 2.9' NW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb