William Herschel discovered NGC 404 = H II-224 = h89 on 13 Sep 1784 (sweep 271) and recorded "pretty bright (not withstanding the light of Beta Andromeda, which is in the field with it), cL, R, bM." The observers on LdR's 72" tried to resolve this nebula. R.J. Mitchell reported on 16 Oct 1855, "pL, B. I have no doubt it is a cluster. The F borders of the nebula extend a long way out, involving several stars."

300/350mm - 13.1" (12/22/84): bright, round, bright stellar nucleus. Located 7' NW of Beta Andromedae (V = 2.1)!

400/500mm - 17.5" (10/13/01): bright, fairly large, round, at least 2' diameter. Contains a bright 30" core that increases steadily to a bright stellar nucleus. Located 7' NW of mag 2.1 Beta Andromedae (Mirach), which detracts somewhat from viewing.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb