John Herschel discovered NGC 1836 = h2766 on 23 Nov 1834 (along with NGC 1839 = h2768), though no description or position was given. On his second sweep (30 Dec 1836) he noted "the first nucleus of a clustering group of mixed stars and nebulosity." His position is accurate.

600/800mm - 24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): bright LMC cluster, relatively large, high surface brightness, very elongated NW-SE, 1.2'x0.4'. The dominant portion of the cluster is on the NW end and appears bright, roundish, 25"-30" diameter with a few stars resolved just outside the glow. A 14th magnitude star is off the SE side and connects to a small knot (BRHT 4b) containing a very tight string of 15th magnitude stars. Forms a striking pair with NGC 1839 2.5' E. HS 109 is 5.4' S and several other small clusters are in the field.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb