William Herschel discovered NGC 547 = H II-449, along with NGC 545, on 1 Oct 1785 (sweep 448) and reported both as "Two, stellar of equal size and within 1' of each other. Their nebulosities run together and at first sight seem to form only one extended nebula." These galaxies form a double system and are the brightest members of AGC 194. MCG identifies this galaxy as NGC 547b.

300/350mm - 13.1" (9/22/84): moderately bright, round, bright core, in contact with NGC 545 very close NW.

400/500mm - 17.5" (9/19/87): moderately bright, small, round, small bright core. Forms a contact pair with NGC 545 0.5' NW and the brightest (pair) in AGC 194. NGC 541 is 4.6' SW and NGC 543 lies 4.1' NW.

900/1200mm - 48" (10/22/11): very bright, round, moderately large, 1' diameter, very bright core. The halo merges with NGC 545, which is in contact on the NW side.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb