William Herschel discovered NGC 3389 = H II-41 = h761, along with NGC 3379 = M105 and NGC 3384, on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164). He recorded "Three nebula in the field together. The two preceding ones NGC 3379 and 3384] cometic and much like the two former bright ones [M95 and M96] but considerable less. The following [NGC 3389] r[esolvable] and of a longish form, elongated. These three together form a beautiful sight." John Herschel made four observations, calling it "faint", "very faint" and "barely visible" on different sweeps.

200/250mm - 8" (3/28/81): faint, small.

300/350mm - 13.1" (2/25/84): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, diffuse. Third and faintest of three with bright galaxies NGC 3384 6.4' NNW and M105 9.7' WNW.

600/800mm - 24" (4/20/14): moderately or fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 1.6'x0.7', brighter core. The surface brightness is irregular with a very mottled appearance. A knot is embedded on the SW side. A mag 15.8 star is 50" south of center (outside the halo). Faintest in a striking trio with M105 and NGC 3384. The two apparent companions are member of the M96 or Leo I Group, but NGC 3389 lies in the background Leo II Group at 70 million l.y.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb