Harold Corwin

The 1m error in Swift's RA has led to considerable confusion concerning the identity of this object. The diffuse nebula referred to by Lynds and Cederblad is about 1/2 a degree northeast of the IC object, and Hubble's (ApJ 56, 400, 1922) questioned identification is also incorrect.

This was actually found by Swift on 20 August 1885 and published as a "nova" in his second list -- where it is number 29 -- in AN 2707. However, he includes an extensive note that reads

Resembles a Comet [sic]. Moonlight and clouds prevented verification until Sept. 6, when it could not be found. Am certain of its place, and of its configuration with 4 stars. Have examined the place three times and am certain of its absence. Seeing on one occasion as good as when discovered.

In the introductory comments to the second list, Swift also says, "No. 19 [of Swift's list 1 in AN 2683] must therefore be struck out, and with great probability No. 29 of this Catalogue also." Dreyer took him at his word and did not include either object in the NGC. In the case of the 19th object in list 1, this was the correct decision (there is nothing in that position), but Swift went on to recover this galaxy on Christmas Day in 1891. However, his description then reads, "eeF, pL, R. Not no. 29 cat. 2. That is still missing." Given that his position in list 10 is one minute of time too large, the identity of Swift's two objects is pretty certain.

― IC Notes by Harold Corwin

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