John Herschel discovered NGC 2201 = h3030 (along with NGC 2200 = h3029) on 1 Jan 1835 and recorded "eF; vS; pslbM; rather a doubtful object." He observed the pair again in Dec 1837, but his NPD was 1° further south. His first position was accurate and matches ESO 254-040 = PGC 18658.

600/800mm - 24" (2/22/14): at 260x; very faint, small, 18" diameter, low even surface brightness. Viewed at 9° elevation. Forms a pair with NGC 2200 3.5' NW, but the companion was not seen at this low elevation.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb