John Herschel discovered NGC 7072 = h3867, along with NGC 7070, on 5 Sep 1834 and recorded "F; S; R; vglbM; 30"; the following of 2 [with NGC 7070]." His position (measured on two sweeps) is accurate.

400/500mm - 18" (10/16/09): extremely faint, small, slightly elongated, 20"x15". Forms a trio with NGC 7070 4.5' NNW and NGC 7072A 3.7' SW.

600/800mm - 30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly faint to moderately bright, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration to the center. Second brightest in trio with NGC 7070 4.5' NNW and NGC 7072A 3.7' SSW. NGC 7072A appeared fairly faint, round, 35"-40" diameter, low even surface brightness, no core or zones.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb