John Herschel discovered NGC 633 = h2429 on 1 Sep 1834 and logged "pB, S, R, gbM, 15"; follows a pretty bright double star." On a later sweep he noted, "Not vF, R, 30", has a double star N.p." His mean position and description matches ESO 297-11 = PGC 5960. He missed a fainter companion (ESO 297-12 = PGC 5959) 1.1' S.

Pietro Baracchi observed the galaxy on 11 Dec 1885 with the Great Melbourne Telescope and wrote, "Extraordinary - This is a double nebula. There are two distinct nebulae in the field pretty close to one another as shown in diagram - How is it that Herschel only has one?" The companion he discovered was ESO 297-012.

400/500mm - 17.5" (11/10/96): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, 0.8'x0.6', weak concentration (hampered by low elevation). Located 3' SE a mag 9/10 double star at 15" separation. Forms a pair with ESO 297-012 1.1' S (not seen).

Notes by Steve Gottlieb