William Herschel discovered NGC 7217 = H II-207 = h2149 on 7 Sep 1784 (sweep 259) and recorded "R, mbM, cL, er, the brightness diminishing gradually." JH made the single observation "B; R; 30"; gbM." and measured an accurate position. The Birr Castle observers felt this object was resolvable -- and there are several faint stars involved or at the periphery. On 16 Sep 1854, R.J. Mitchell logged "there can hardly be a doubt that this neb is a Cl; some stars near centre seen by Lord R. with one-inch single lens [power 650] and filaments of stars at times suspected running out from the nucleus."

200/250mm - 8" fairly bright, round, moderately large, bright core.

400/500mm - 17.5" (9/2/89): very bright, fairly large, round, dominated by small very bright core, surrounded by larger halo. A mag 10.5 star is 3.2' SE of center.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb