William Herschel discovered NGC 1417 = H II-455 = h306, along with NGC 1418, on 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 457) and recorded both as "Two. The preceding [NGC 1417] F, S, E, lbM. The following NGC 1418] eF, vS, E, hardly to be seen but 240 verified it; about 6 or 7' south following the first." His position is accurate.

On 16 Oct 1827 (sweep 96), John Herschel remarked "R; north-preceding a star. The second of 3 [with NGC 1418]." His position is 19 sec of RA too far west, but the description applies (the star is 1.3' SE). He also accurately measured the position, but listed it under h307 NGC 1418). See notes for IC 344 = h305.

300/350mm - 13.1" (12/7/85): moderately bright, slightly elongated ~N-S, small bright core. A mag 10.5 star is close SSE. Second of three in a group.

400/500mm - 17.5" (11/25/87): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, bright core. A mag 11 star is 1.3' SE of center. Brightest in a group with NGC 1418 4.9' ESE and IC 344 7.3' WNW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb