John Herschel discovered NGC 5051 = h3479, along with NGC 5048, on 30 Mar 1835 and noted "The following of 2 [with NGC 5048]." In his description for h3478 = NGC 5048 he gave the separation as roughly 20s of RA and 5' in PD. The actual figures are 12s of RA and 7.5' in Dec. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00.

400/500mm - 18" (3/17/07): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.4'. Appears to have a brighter slightly brighter bulging core and narrower extensions.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb