William Herschel discovered NGC 680 = H II-229, along with NGC 678, on 15 Sep 1784 (sweep 274). On 13 Nov 1786 (sweep 636) he noted "pB, S, mbM." See NGC 678.

300/350mm - 13.1" (9/29/84): moderately bright, fairly small, round, bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 678 5' WNW in the NGC 697 group (also called the NGC 691 group).

400/500mm - 18" (11/22/03): fairly bright, high surface brightness elliptical or lenticular, slightly elongated, 1.7'x1.5'. Contains a well-condensed 30" bright core surrounded by a fainter halo that fades gradually. Surrounded by three mag 10-11 stars 3'-4' S, E and NE. In a trio with NGC 678 5' WNW and IC 1730 3.5' NE.

600/800mm - 24" (8/30/16): bright, moderately large, irregularly round, 1.5'x1.2'. Sharply concentrated with a bright 30" core that increases gradually to a stellar nucleus. A mag 10.8 star is 3.5' E. Forms a striking pair with NGC 678 5'.5 WNW. IC 1730 is 3.5' NE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb