John Herschel discovered NGC 2293 = h3063 on 2 Feb 1835 and described "a double nebula [with NGC 2292], 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! Herschel listed a single entry for both galaxies, although Dreyer gave separate designations for NGC 2292 and 2293. 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.

Both Joseph Turner (date?) and Pietro Baracchi (9 Mar 1885) sketched the pair. Turner's sketch was included in the observatory's unpublished plate V, figure 35 lithograph.

400/500mm - 17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, small, round, very bright core, stellar nucleus. In a tight group with NGC 2292 1' WNW (double system in a common halo) and NGC 2295 4' W.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb