William Herschel discovered NGC 7177 = H II-247 = h2139 on 15 Oct 1784 (sweep 290) and recorded "pB, nearly R, bM, r, about 1' dia." On 11 Oct 1825, JH reported "pB; R; gbM; 60"-90" diameter." R.J. Mitchell sketched this galaxy on 31 Aug 1854 (included in the LdR 1861 publication). A total of 19 observations were made at Birr Castle.

300/350mm - 13.1" moderately bright, brighter core, elongated WSW-ENE.

400/500mm - 17.5" (8/5/91): very bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 E-W, 2'x1'. Unusual appearance as the very bright core is elongated at nearly a 45° angle (SW-NE) to the major axis and contains a stellar nucleus. There is a hint of an irregular surface brightness in the outer halo.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb