John Herschel discovered NGC 612 = h2423 on 29 Nov 1837 and recorded "F, R, 12", follows a star 12th mag. This is possibly identical with the next [h2424 = NGC 619] but one with a mistaken minute." His position is 1' S of ESO 353-015 = PGC 5827 and the description applies.

400/500mm - 17.5" (11/10/96): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, ~1.2'x0.8', weak concentration. Located 1.0' following a mag 11 star. First of three with NGC 619 11' E and NGC 623 14' E.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb