William Herschel discovered NGC 5228 = H III-408 = h1642 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "Two [along with III-407 = NGC 5223], the time is that of the most south; both vF and vS; but the most north [NGC 5228] is the faintest and smallest of the two. Dist about 6 or 7'." His position is 20 sec of RA too far west. JH made 2 observations and measured an accurate position.

400/500mm - 17.5" (5/23/98): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, weak concentration. Forms a similar pair with NGC 5223 5.6' SSW. A mag 13 star lies 1.4' NE and a similar star is 2' SW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb