William Herschel discovered NGC 5032 = H III-367 = h1563 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "vF, pL." CH's reduction is 2' south of UGC 8300.

400/500mm - 18" (6/4/05): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.6', increases to a small, bright core. Bracketed by two similar stars 1.2' the SW and a similar distance to the NE. Forms a close pair with NGC 5032B = MCG +05-31-159 at 2.4' S.

600/800mm - 24" (6/4/16): at 375x; moderately bright and large, oval 3:2 ~N-S, 1.2'x0.8'. Contains a bright elongated core or bar and a small bright nucleus. A mag 14 star is 1.2' E and a slightly fainter star is 1.3' SW. Located 21' ESE of mag 4.3 Beta Comae.

Forms a physical pair with NGC 5032B = CGCG 160-165 2.4' S. The companion appeared faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 WNW-ESE, 20"x12", contains a very small brighter nucleus.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb