Albert Marth discovered NGC 6977 = m 428, along with NGC 6976 and 6978, on 20 Jul 1863 and noted "vF, S, irr R." His position is accurate.

400/500mm - 17.5" (7/16/88): very faint, fairly small, round, diffuse, even surface brightness. Second of three on a line with NGC 6976 1.8' SW and NGC 6978 2.5' NE.

600/800mm - 24" (9/27/19): at 375x; between fairly faint and moderately bright, round, 50" diameter, brighter core. The halo had a slightly uneven surface brightness like a face-on spiral

Notes by Steve Gottlieb