Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 647 = LM 2-316 (along with NGC 649 = LM 2-317) in 1886) with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is 0.4 tmin east of MCG -02-05-033 = PGC 6155. The galaxy identified as NGC 647 in the MCG is actually NGC 649.

400/500mm - 17.5" (9/26/92): faint, small, elongated 4:3, small bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 649 3.3' SE. Located 5' W of mag 8.8 SAO 129437.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb