Albert Marth discovered NGC 2342 = m 101 (along with NGC 2341 = m 100) on 10 Nov 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta. His position matches UGC 3709 = PGC 20265.

400/500mm - 17.5" (1/20/90): moderately bright, moderately large, irregularly round, slightly elongated SW-NE, slightly brighter along major axis but no core. Forms a pair with NGC 2341 2.5' WSW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb