John Herschel discovered NGC 696 = h2440 (along with NGC 698 = h2441) on 29 Nov 1837 and noted "F, S, R, 15"." His position is 0.2 tmin east and 2.5' south of ESO 353-050 = PGC 6695 (same offset as NGC 698).

400/500mm - 17.5" (11/1/97): faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 40"x30", weak concentration. A mag 12 star follows by 3.3'. Forms a pair with fainter NGC 698 5.1' NE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb