Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3128 = LM 1-165, along with NGC 3127, on 1 Jan 1886 and noted "mag 16.0, 1.3'x0.7', vE 170°." His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1.3 tmin east of MCG -03-26-020 and description matches.

400/500mm - 18" (4/10/04): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 0.8'x0.5'. The surface brightness appears irregular with a broadly concentrated core. The extensions are more difficult and require averted vision and seem patchy or knotty. Forms a pair with NGC 3127 5.6' E.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb