William Herschel discovered NGC 2562 = H III-607 = h500, along with NGC 2563, on 13 Feb 1787 (sweep 698) and noted "F, S, bM." His position was less than 2' WNW of NGC 2562 (similar offset as nearby NGC 2558 = H III-606).

400/500mm - 17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, small, oval 3:2 N-S, halo brightens to a small bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 2563 4.7' SE. Member of Cancer I galaxy cluster.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb