Frank Muller discovered NGC 144 = LM 2-284, along with NGC 142 and 143, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position is a reasonable match with ESO 473-023 = PGC 1917. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

400/500mm - 17.5" (10/8/88): third of three with NGC 142 and NGC 143. Faint, small, round, very weak concentration. Located 3' SE of identical NGC 142.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb