Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3253 = Sw. III-55 on 27 Apr 1886 and noted "vF, pS, R." His position is 6 tsec west and 1' south of UGC 5674 = PGC 30829. Spitaler measured an accurate RA in 1891.

400/500mm - 17.5" (3/25/00): very faint, fairly small, round, 45" diameter, low surface brightness, very weak concentration. Located 3' S of a mag 10.8 star.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb