Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1975 on 3 Oct 1864 and called it a "bright double star involved in nebulosity within V. 30 [NGC 1977]." His single position corresponds with the double star ?746 = 10.4/10.7 at 14" in the northern part of the nebula.

300/350mm - 13.1" see description for NGC 1973. This is the faintest portion of the NGC 1977 complex and appears large and elongated, including a mag 11/11 double star.

600/800mm - 24" (1/22/15): bright 2' reflection nebulosity surrounding HD 294263 (triple star) within the NGC 1977 complex. The two brighter components form ?746 = 10.4/10.7 at 14", with a third fainter star 12" SW. Also a 4th star is ~35" NW of the pair and within the glow. The nebula seems more centered on the northeast component of ?746. Brighter NGC 1973 lies 4.5' SW and the entire field is awash in nebulosity.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb