William Herschel discovered NGC 1618 = H II-524 = h320 on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 518) and noted "F, S, iF, lbM, preceding 2 small stars." John Herschel reported his "observation [on 24 Nov 1827] marked as doubtful"and made no description but his position is accurate. William missed nearby NGC 1622 and NGC 1625, although they are similar in magnitude (JH missed NGC 1622 also).

400/500mm - 17.5" (10/12/85): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, weak concentration. First of three very elongated systems with NGC 1622 8' ESE and NGC 1625 18' SE. Located 13' NNW of Nu Eridani (V = 3.2). HCG 30 (3 confirmed members) lies 19' NNE.

900/1200mm - 48" (11/2/13): very bright, large, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 2.0'x0.7', well concentrated with very bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus. A group of four stars follows. NGC 1618 is the first of three prominent spirals with NGC 1622 and NGC 1625 at similar redshifts. Located 13' NNW of mag 3.9 Nu Eridani

Notes by Steve Gottlieb