Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 285 = LM 1-16 (along with NGCs 283, 284 and 286) on 2 Oct 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His (rough) position is a good match with MCG -02-03-033 = PGC 3141. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1897 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory.

400/500mm - 17.5" (10/28/89): very faint, very small, round. Third of four in a group and third of three almost on a line with NGC 283 and NGC 286 3.5' S. Appears similar to NGC 284 2' W.

600/800mm - 24" (10/5/13): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, 18"x15", very small brighter nucleus. Third in a string with similar NGC 284 1.4' W and NGC 283 4.1' W. NGC 286 is ~3' due N.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb