R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3416 on 30 Mar 1854 using LdR's 72", while observing NGC 3415. He noted " NGC 3415 is] elongated N-S, another neb [NGC 3416] north of it, about 3' dist." At this position is CGCG 212-063 = PGC 32588. Interestingly, Dreyer's observation on 13 Apr 1876 observation states "[N3416] is about 6' nnf, eF, eS, but is only a star." There is a faint star at this separation, so he may have missed NGC 3416.

400/500mm - 17.5" (4/6/91): extremely faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE. Forms a close pair with NGC 3415 3' SSW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb