Frank Muller discovered NGC 66 = LM 2-279, along with NGC 65, in 1886. His position is 1 min of RA west and 1' south of ESO 473-010 = PGC 1236. His description of a mag 9 star 1.2' NNE matches this galaxy. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes). The MCG entry for this galaxy (-04-02-002) gives the NGC designation was "uncertain".

400/500mm - 17.5" (8/20/88): faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, even surface brightness. Located 1.4' S of mag 8.8 SAO 166184. Forms a pair with NGC 65 3' NNW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb