John Herschel discovered NGC 5063 = h3481, along with NGC 5062, on 1 May 1834 and recorded "eF; vS; R; near one or two stars." His position is 1.5' too far north.

400/500mm - 18" (3/17/07): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 1' diameter. Unusual appearance with a faint star at the north edge of the halo, a slightly brighter star at the west edge of the halo and third fainter star superimposed closer to the center. Forms a pair with NGC 5062 located 6.4' S.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb