William Herschel discovered NGC 3657 = H III-768 = h876 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919) and noted "vF, vS, stellar, left doubtful." His dec is is 3' south of UGC 6406 but JH measured accurate position (used in the NGC).

400/500mm - 18" (5/30/03): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, small bright core. Member of the LGG 241 or UMa NED1 Group.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb