William Herschel discovered NGC 678 = H II-228, along with NGC 680, on 15 Sep 1784 (sweep 274) and described them together as "Two. Both F, pS, irregularly R." The NGC position is accurate. On 13 Nov 1786 (sweep 636) he logged "pB, S, mbM."

300/350mm - 13.1" (9/29/84): moderately bright, moderately large, bright core, elongated 3:1 ~E-W. Forms a pair with NGC 680 5' ESE in the NGC 697 group.

400/500mm - 18" (11/22/03): fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 7:2 WSW-ENE, 3.0'x0.8'. Sharply concentrated with a small bright core that increases to the center. The extensions are much fainter. Forms a pair with NGC 680 5' ESE in the NGC 697 group (also called the NGC 691 group).

600/800mm - 24" (8/30/16): fairly bright, large, very elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE, 2.5'x0.6'. Sharply concentrated with an unusually brighter core that is irregularly round, stellar nucleus. The arms are long and low surface brightness, but the warped dust lane was not seen. Forms a striking pair with NGC 680 5.5' ESE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb