William Herschel discovered NGC 839 = H II-482 = h202 = h2466, along with NGC 833, 835 and 838, on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479). John Herschel noted it was the largest in the quartet. See notes for NGC 833.

400/500mm - 17.5" (8/31/86): moderately bright, edge-on ~E-W, bright core. Last of four in HCG 16 and has a similar appearance to NGC 833. Located 2.5' SE of NGC 838. A mag 10 star lies 4.2' W.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb