John Herschel discovered NGC 3988 = h1028 on 13 Apr 1831 recorded "vF; R; gbM. The first of 2 [with NGC 4004]." On a later sweep he logged "vF; S; R; sbM like a *. The p of 2 with several stars between them." His position matches CGCG 157-061 = PGC 37609.

400/500mm - 17.5" (4/9/99): fairly faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. Weak even concentration to center but no core. First of three on a line with NGC 4004 9' E and IC 2982 6' E. A mag 11 star is 5' following (near IC 2982).

Notes by Steve Gottlieb