Albert Marth discovered NGC 6978 = m 429, along with NGC 6976 and 6977, on 20 Jul 1863 and noted "vF". His position is accurate.

400/500mm - 17.5" (7/16/88): fairly faint, fairly small, bright core, elongated 2:1 NW-SE. Brightest and farthest NE of three on a line (HCG 88 group) with NGC 6977 2.5' SW and NGC 6976 4.3' SW. HCG 88D not seen.

600/800mm - 24" (9/27/19): at 375x; moderately bright and large, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.1'x0.35', small bright core, brighter along the central axis. A mag 14.8 star lies 1.3' SSW, halfway to NGC 6977 = HCG 88B.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb