John Herschel discovered NGC 3786 = h931 on 29 Apr 1827, along with NGC 3788, and logged "the sp of 2 [with NGC 3788]; less bright and smaller than the nf." He made 3 observations of both galaxies.

400/500mm - 17.5" (2/24/90): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, bright core. Forms a pleasing close pair with NGC 3788 (separation of 1.4' NE). The galaxies are elongated at nearly right angles and almost attached at the ENE end of NGC 3786. A mag 10.5 star is 2' SE.

600/800mm - 24" (6/16/20): moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, oval 2:1 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.5', bright core, small bright nucleus. Forms a striking pair (Arp 294 = VV 228) with NGC 3788 1.4' NNE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb