John Herschel discovered NGC 2131 = h2984 on 20 Jan 1835 and recorded "eF; S; R; has a *13 m in centre." His position matches ESO 488-050 = PGC 18172.

400/500mm - 17.5" (12/8/90): very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is in contact on the north end. A possible companion is about 4' NW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb