William Herschel discovered NGC 838 = H II-482 = h201 = h2465, along with NGC 833, 835 and 839, on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479). John Herschel noted it was the "third in order and in size". See notes for NGC 833.

400/500mm - 17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, slightly elongated, very small bright core, possible stellar nucleus. Third of four in HCG 16 and located 3.4' E of NGC 835.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb