John Herschel discovered NGC 2970 = h627 on 6 Mar 1828 (sweep 128) and reported, "F; the foll and most northern of 3 [with NGC 2964 and 2968]." His position was 2.4' NNW of CGCG 152-059 but the NGC position is accurate. On 18 Mar 1857, R.J. Mitchell (observing with the 72") called it "F, R?, bM, * in centre." Dreyer added the comment in the NGC, "Not seen by d'Arrest, but often observed at Birr Castle."

300/350mm - 13.1" (2/23/85): very faint, very small, even surface brightness. Third and faintest of three on a line with NGC 2968 5.1' SW.

600/800mm - 24" (2/22/14): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, ~24"x20", sharp concentration with a very small bright nucleus. Faintest in a nearly collinear triplet with NGC 2968 5' SW and NGC 2964 11' SW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb