William Herschel discovered NGC 2800 = H III-832 = h574 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 945) and noted "vF, S, lE." John Herschel described it on 17 Feb 1831 (sweep 328) as "a star with vF neb attached, in which is involved another star 10" dist." The other "star" is probably the nucleus of NGC 2800 with the superimposed star at the northwest side just 15" separation.

400/500mm - 17.5" (3/8/97): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 40"x30". Contains a very small, slightly brighter core. A mag 12 star is attached on the NW flank, 15" from the center, giving an unusual appearance. Located 3.7' NW of mag 9 SAO 27206.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb