Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7017 = LM 1-238, along with NGC 7016 and NGC 7018, on 8 Jul 1885. He noted "mag 15.0, vS, R, bMN, 2nd of 3." His rough position (nearest minute of RA) essentially matches ESO 529-026 = PGC 66137, though Herbert Howe measured an accurate position with the 20-inch refractor at Denver.

400/500mm - 17.5" (8/21/98): very faint, very small, ~30"x20". Similar to NGC 7016 just 1.5' NW within AGC 3744.

17.5" (7/21/90): faint, small, round, bright core. Forms a close similar pair with NGC 7016 1' NW.

600/800mm - 24" (9/26/19): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, ~0.5'x0.4', increases gradually to a brighter core.

24" (8/14/15): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:3 E-W, ~30"x18", bright core. Although sometimes it appeared roundish, occasionally the elongated glow just resolved into a very close pair [separation 12" between centers] with the smaller (barely nonstellar) and fainter component on the east side.

24" (9/27/14): at 375x appeared fairly faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, 25"x20". Occasionally a very faint "knot" was attached at the east end, ~6" diameter. This is a merged double system with the east "knot" listed in NED as NGC 7017 NED2.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb