Johnstone and Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistants, NGC 2183 on 11 Dec 1850. This reflection nebula was noted as "about 65' following h378 [NGC 2167} is a small nebula with nucleus or stellar point." On the sketch of 24 Jan 1851, NGC 2183 was labeled Epsilon and NGC 2185 labeled Alpha.

Heinrich d'Arrest independently found this reflection nebula on 11 Jan 1864 and measured an accurate position (as well as NGC 2185). He noted a mag 11-12 star 2.5' south and 1.4 sec of time preceding. Stoney's observation was not included in the GC (because of his rough location) and Dreyer only credited d'Arrest with the discovery in the GC Supplement and NGC.

300/350mm - 13.1" (1/28/84): very faint reflection nebula near four faint stars just SE. Forms a pair with NGC 2185 4.8' E. Located 25' ENE of NGC 2182.

400/500mm - 18" (1/13/07): fairly faint reflection nebula in a group. Appears ~1' diameter and notably was not surrounding a bright star as are the other nebulae in the group. There appears to be a faint star, though, at the south edge which may be the illuminating star. A much larger complex of of nebulosity including NGC 2185 is less than 5' E and SE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb