William Herschel discovered NGC 5049 = H II-512, along with NGC 5044, on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and noted "F, S." His position is 1.4' northwest of MCG -03-34-037 = PGC 46166.

400/500mm - 17.5" (5/17/90): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core. Last of six in a 20' field with NGC 5044 8.5' W and NGC 5047 7.8' SSW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb