J.L.E. Dreyer probably discovered IC 2982 = Big. 285 = NGC 4004B on 5 Apr 1877. A sketch reproduced in the 1880 LdR Monograph shows GC 2633 [later NGC 3988] and a second nebula close following a star. Dreyer assumed this was GC 2645 [later NGC 4004], but the placement with respect to the included stars matches IC 2982.

Guillaume Bigourdan "officially" discovered IC 2982 again on 28 Apr 1894. The IC position is 3' too far south but Corwin's re-reduced position is a good match and his description fits. Bigourdan is credited with the discovery in the IC.

400/500mm - 17.5" (4/9/99): faint, very small, elongated 20"x15" SW-NE. Just follows a mag 11 star [45" to center] which is the brightest star in an inverted "L" asterism and which detracts from viewing. Located 3.1' W of NGC 4004 and 6.0' W of NGC 3988.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb