John Herschel discovered NGC 7057 = h3861, along with NGC 7060, on 2 Sep 1836 and recorded "eF; vS; R; the preceding of 2 [with NGC 7060]." His position is accurate.

400/500mm - 18" (8/19/09): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 30"x20". There appears to be an extremely faint star at the east edge. First of two with NGC 7060 10' ENE. Viewed at only 10° elevation.

600/800mm - 30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, moderately large, elongated 5:4 NW-SE, 0.9'x0.7', gradually brightens to a brighter core and stellar nucleus. A mag 15 star is at the east edge [27" from center]. Second brightest in a trio with NGC 7060 10.5' ENE. AM 2122-424 lies 7.4' ESE and appeared very faint, small, round, 18" diameter.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb