John Herschel discovered NGC 2118 = h2979 on 16 Dec 1835 and described a "globular; vsmbM; 15"." On a second sweep he recorded "a vS, B knot, probably 6 or 8 vS stars wedged into a close group." His position matches this cluster.

James Dunlop perhaps discovered NGC 2118 = D 157? earlier on 25 Sep 1826 and recorded "a small round nebula, 8" or 10" diameter. This is the preceding of three nebulae forming a triangle." His position from a single observation is 8' NE, well within his typical errors, though there is no sign of his other two nebulae anywhere nearby.

600/800mm - 25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; very bright, moderately large, round, 40" diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright core, unresolved.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb