E.E. Barnard discovered IC 2196 = J. 3-1003, along with IC 2194, 2197 and 2199, on 9 May 1888. These were his first discoveries with the 12-inch refractor at Lick Observatory and labeled "c" on his field sketch. He also found "d", which he described as "vvF, foll 'c' [IC 2196] about 3' of arc." At this offset is 2 stars and an extremely faint galaxy attached. Stephane Javelle independently discovered IC 2196 on 24 Jan 1898 and noted "faint, nearly round, 25"-30", gradually condensed, granular."

400/500mm - 17.5" (1/23/93): fairly faint, fairly small, round, even concentration to a brighter core. On line with three mag 13.5 stars 1.1' SW, 2.1' SSW and 2.5' SSW. Second brightest in the IC 2199 group with IC 2199 12.6' SE, IC 2193 11.4' NW and IC 2194 7' SW. Located 30' S of Castor!

Notes by Steve Gottlieb