NGC/IC Project Restoration Effort

===== NGC 4874, the second-brightest galaxy in the core of the Coma Cluster, is one of three that WH found there on 11 April 1785. The other surely-identified Herschel discovery is NGC 4889 (which see). The third is probably NGC 4864 (though NGC 4869 is a remote possibility). See NGC 4864 for that story. Wolfgang has suggested that we switch the identifications of this galaxy with NGC 4872 which carries (in the NGC) the GC, WH, and JH numbers that clearly belong on the second-brightest galaxy in the core of the cluster. This, however, not only flies in the face of the traditional 20th century nomenclature -- it would be a disaster to try to implement! -- but it is likely that the number "NGC 4872" really does refer one of the satellite galaxies around NGC 4874. It certainly does in Bigourdan's list -- but Dreyer did not have that at hand when he compiled the NGC. See the discussion under NGC 4872 number for the full story. Considering everything, I am going to simply keep the current NGC numbering system, and move the GC, WH, and JH numbers, as well as the other observers' notes, as necessary. There will be a question mark on NGC 4872, of course -- as I said, see that for more. Summarizing, my interpretation of the historical data for the Coma Cluster shows how it is possible to retain the 20th century identifications without stressing the historical mandate of the NGC itself. The data are ambiguous enough that other interpretations are possible, of course, but keeping modern astrophysicists happy suggests preserving the numbers as they are!

===== NGC 4874 18" (4/20/12): at 322x this giant elliptical cD appeared moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, round, ~1.2' diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright core and fainter halo. Surrounded by a dense swarm of faint companions; 16 have been observed within a 5' radius! Located 6.4' S of mag 7.1 HD 112887. NGC 4889, the brightest member in the central region, is 7.3' ENE. 17.5" (4/21/90): second brightest galaxy in the core of AGC 1656. Fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, bright core. Located 6.4' S of mag 7.2 SAO 82595. A mag 12 star lies 2.5' WSW. Surrounded by a halo of faint galaxies including NGC 4872 52" SSW, NGC 4871 1.3' W, NGC 4873 1.6' NNW, IC 3998 2.3' ENE. 13" (5/14/83): fairly faint, round, fairly small, 2nd brightest in AGC 1656. A mag 7 star lies about 6' N and a mag 12.5 star 2' SW. Numerous companions are nearby in the field.