William Herschel discovered NGC 5057 = H III-307 = h1572, along with NGC 5056, 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 second of 2." and measured an accurate position.

400/500mm - 17.5" (5/27/00): fairly faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter, very small bright core, stellar nucleus at moments. Probably viewed the core only (halo very faint on DSS). Smaller but higher surface brightness than NGC 5056 6' SW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb