R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72", discovered NGC 5276 on 27 Mar 1856 while observing NGC 5273. He noted "about 2' or 3' following NGC 5273] I found a F, S neb, E np sf and lbM." Based on his description, the NGC position for NGC 5276 is slightly north of NGC 5273, although it is actually southeast.

400/500mm - 17.5" (6/7/97): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 0.8'x0.4'. Well-concentrated with a small brighter core with faint extensions. Forms a pair with brighter NGC 5273 3.3' NW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb