William Herschel discovered NGC 2693 = H II-823 = h535 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 945) and recorded "pB, S, R, mbM." His position is within the northwest side of the halo. John Herschel's observation on 17 Feb 1831 (sweep 328) reads, "pB; mE nearly in meridian [north-south]; psbM." This double system was resolved with the 72" at Birr Castle. The CGCG declination is 30' too far south.

400/500mm - 17.5" (2/8/86): fairly bright, fairly small, bright core encased in much fainter halo, slightly elongated ~N-S. Forms a close pair with NGC 2694 1' S.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb