William Herschel discovered NGC 2641 = H III-983, along with NGC 2629, on 30 Sep 1802 (his last sweep 1112). He recorded "Two NGC 2629 & NGC 2641], the place is that of the last [NGC 2641]. That of which the place is taken [NGC 2641] is vF, S. The other NGC 2629] precedes it RA = 42 seconds and is 6' more north. The preceding one stellar. It is within 1' of a small star which follows it, and which is free from the burs which affect the stellar."

This nebula was not included in WH's third catalogue as it was discovered after his 500 discovery limit was reached on 26 Sept 1802. It was added as one of the 8 "HON" objects ("William Herschel omitted nebulae") by JH in the Appendix to his Cape Observations and then included in the GC as III 983. Caroline Herschel's reduced position (for 1800) is 6' due south of UGC 4577, a similar offset as NGC 264, so the identifications are certain. The NGC position (adopted by Dreyer from d'Arrest) is 1.0 min of RA too far east. Dreyer notes in his 1912 correction list that WH was correct.

400/500mm - 17.5" (2/1/92): faint, small, round, broad mild concentration, almost stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 2629 6.3' NNW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb