John Herschel discovered NGC 1374 = h2557 (along with NGC 1373 = h2556 and NGC 1375 = h2558) on 29 Nov 1837, recording "vB, pL, lE, gmbM, the 2nd of three." His position was 1.6' ENE of center (similar offset as NGC 1375). In 1865 Julius Schmidt measured a more accurate position with the 6.2" refractor at the Athens Observatory.

200/250mm - 8" (10/13/81): faint, small, round.

300/350mm - 13.1" (12/22/84): fairly bright, round, bright core. In a close trio with NGC 1375 2' S and NGC 1373 4.8' NW. Member of the Fornax I cluster.

400/500mm - 18" (12/17/11): very bright, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter. Contains a relatively large intense core that increases to the center. Forms a striking pair with NGC 1375 2.3' S of center. NGC 1373 lies 4.9' NW and

Notes by Steve Gottlieb