NGC 1255 is a barred spiral galaxy approximately 69 million light-years away from Earth in the constellation of Fornax.

[1] NGC 1255 was discovered by American astronomer Edward Emerson Barnard on August 30, 1883 with the 6-inch refractor at Vanderbilt University.

[3] American astronomer Ormond Stone made an independent discovery in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory, recording "4.1'x2.0', PA 315°".

[5][6] The supernova was classified as type II, and it was located at the following coordinates: RA 03h 13m 27s, Dec -25° 44.50′ (J2000 epoch).

[1] By December 30, 1980 the supernova had faded by about 4 magnitudes and showed strong P-Cyg-type profiles.