John Herschel discovered NGC 2292 = h3063 on 2 Feb 1835 and described "a double nebula [with NGC 2293], the preceding eF; the following (whose place is here set down) pB; both R gbM; in a field full of stars, among which is also a third nebula." His description clearly refers to the double system VV 178 = ESO 490-048/049, although he reversed the orientation and position with NGC 2295! Herbert Howe was the first to note this error in 1898 and corrected the orientation and positions based on observations with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver.

400/500mm - 17.5" (1/20/90): very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness. Forms a close pair with NGC 2293 1' SE and a trio including NGC 2295 just 4' W.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb