Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1478 = LM 1-119 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "mag 15.0, 0.2' dia, 3rd of 3 [with NGC 1472 and 1477]." His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is essentially accurate, along with the companions.

400/500mm - 17.5" (2/8/91): extremely faint and small, round, at visual threshold. Faintest of a trio with NGC 1477 2' SW and NGC 1472 5' WSW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb