William Herschel discovered NGC 2853 = H III-630 = h590, along with NGC 2852, on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716). He described both as "Two, both vF, vS, 300 shewed them both very well, nearly in the same meridian, and about 3' distance." His position is between the two galaxies, but closer to NGC 2852. John Herschel reported on 18 Mar 1831 (sweep 335), "eF; pL; vgbM; the following of 2."

300/350mm - 13.1" (1/18/85: faint, elongated ~N-S, fairly small. Forms a close pair with NGC 2852 2' SSW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb