Rudolph Spitaler discovered IC 821 = Spitaler 53, along with IC 818, on 19 Mar 1892. His description reads, "Round nebulous ball of 1.5' diameter, gradually brighter towards the middle. Two brighter stars stand south of the nebula, following a bit." His position was accurate.

600/800mm - 24" (6/3/19): at 322x; almost fairly faint, round, 30"-35" diameter, low even surface brightness. This face-on spiral could be held continuously with averted vision. Several mag 11-13.5 stars are scattered to the SE. IC 821 forms a pair with IC 818 9.6' SW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb