William Herschel discovered NGC 1293 = H III-574 = h294, along with NGC 1294, on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 614) and described both as "Two [NGC 1293 and NGC 1294]. Both vF, stellar, vlbM, but the southern NGC 1294] is the brightest and largest." His position was ~10 seconds of RA too far west. Johnb Herschel recorded on 18 Sep 1828 (sweep 182), "eF; R; bM; the np of 2 [with NGC 1294]." He made an error computing the declination, but his identifications are clear.

400/500mm - 17.5" (12/3/88): faint, small, round, faint stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 1294 2' SSE. Member of AGC 426.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb