Edward Holden discovered NGC 3843 on 27 Apr 1881 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory. and recorded "F; elongated 225° [SW-NE]. Follows a star 11m by 14s [of time]." His position and description matches UGC 6699, though the star is closer to 13th mag.

400/500mm - 17.5" (3/24/90): faint, fairly small, very elongated SW-NE, small bright core.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb