William Herschel discovered NGC 1587 = H II-8 = h316, along with NGC 1588 and 1589, on 19 Dec 1783 (early sweep 54). He noted "Two close together [with NGC 1588], 3/4? north of 45 Eri." His summary description (from 4 sweeps) reads "Two [with NGC 1588]. The first F, S, r." On 23 Nov1827, John Herschel called this object "the south-preceding of a double nebula; R; pL; distance of centres 60"."

300/350mm - 13.1" (12/22/84): moderately bright, small, almost round, small bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 1588 1' E. NGC 1589 lies 12' N. Located midway between 44 and 45 Tauri.

400/500mm - 17.5" (2/3/03): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated SW-NE, 1.2'x1.0', well-concentrated with a very bright core and stellar nucleus. Forms a close pair with NGC 1588 0.9' E. In a trio with NGC 1589 12' N. NGC 1587 is the brightest member of the LGG 117 galaxy group (z = .012)

Notes by Steve Gottlieb