William Herschel discovered NGC 1241 = H II-286 = h289 = h2510 on 10 Jan 1785 (sweep 355) and recorded "F, pL, R, lbM, south of a small star." John Herschel observed this galaxy both at Slough, England, calling it "eF" and "pB" on two observations, and at the Cape of Good Hope where he logged "F, pmE, 50", the preceding of two [with NGC 243]."

300/350mm - 13.1" (12/7/85): moderately bright, round, bright core surrounded by a diffuse halo. Forms a close pair with fainter NGC 1242 1.6' NE. Located 3.0' due south of mag 9.0 SAO 130329.

600/800mm - 24" (12/28/13): fairly bright, moderately large, oval 2:1 NW-SE, 2'x1', contains a large bright core that increases towards the center. There was a hint of arm structure in the outer halo. Forms a pair with NGC 1242 1.7' NE with both galaxies just south of a mag 9.3 star.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb