William Herschel discovered NGC 3072 = H III-273 = h3206 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 368) and noted "eF, vS, irr." His position is within 1' of ESO 566-033 = PGC 28749. JH made two observations at the Cape, logging on sweep 561 "vF; E; glbM; 60" l; 50" br."

400/500mm - 17.5" (3/16/96): faint, very elongated WSW-ENE, 1.2'x0.4', very small brighter core.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb