William Herschel discovered NGC 5056 = H III-306 = h1571, along with NGC 5057, on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and recorded "Two, the time is that of the first [NGC 5056]. Both vF and S. The second NGC 5057] about 7 or 8' north following the first." JH made the single observation "F; S; R; bM. The first of 2." and measured an accurate position.

400/500mm - 17.5" (5/27/00): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, broad concentration. The extensions appear mottled with a hint of clumpiness. Two mag 14.5 star are close following with the closer star 1.0' SE of center. Located 3.3' N of mag 8.8 SAO 63436. Brightest in a group including NGC 5057 6' NE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb