John Herschel discovered NGC 1703 = h2678 on 4 Dec 1834 and recorded F, L, R, vlbM, 90"; very dilute at borders. A star 9th mag S.f. almost involved." His position is accurate.

300/350mm - 13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, moderately large, oval 3:2 ~N-S, 1.5'x1.0'. Unusual appearance as a mag 10 star (close double) is superimposed southeast of the core and the galaxy extends to the northwest of this bright star. The outer halo is diffuse and fades into the background. Located 34' E of NGC 1688.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb