John Herschel discovered NGC 3802 = h940 on 14 Mar 1784 and simply noted "last of 3 [with NGC 3790 and 3801]." He made 3 observations, though real description. WH is credited with the discovery (III-30) in the GC and NGC, although that number most likely applies to NGC 3801 (see that number).

400/500mm - 17.5" (4/1/95): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 1.2'x0.4', very weak concentration. Almost reaches to a mag 13.5 star just off the east end 1.0' from center. Located 2.3' NNE of NGC 3801 in a group.

600/800mm - 25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:1 E-W, ~1.1'x0.3', brighter core, slightly brighter along the major axis. A mag 13.5 star is close to the east end. Forms a striking pair with NGC 3801.

900/1200mm - 48" (4/2/11): this bright edge-on is located 2.3' N of NGC 3801 in a group of 6 galaxies. It appeared edge-on 5:1 E-W, 1.4'x0.3'. Contains a brighter, slightly bulging core. A mag 13.5 star is just off the following end, 1.0' from center. NGC 3803 lies 2.2' N.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb