William Herschel discovered NGC 5474 = H I-214 on 1 May 1788 (sweep 840) and recorded "cB, terminating abruptly to the north, and diffused to the south." Indeed, this galaxy is very asymmetric, with the nucleus at the north edge of the galaxy!

Samuel Hunter, observing with LdR's 72" on 14 May 1861, logged "vL and probably of interest. The nucleus is on the n edge and appears to have a dark lane around it; the faint nebulosity spreads out from it like a fan with the edges rather brighter than the centre."

400/500mm - 17.5" (5/22/93): fairly bright, large, irregular round or slightly elongated SSW-NNE. Very unusual appearance as a large brighter knot of 0.8' diameter or a very eccentrically placed core is located at the NE edge. The halo extends generally SW from this brighter spot. About 3' diameter, no brightening at the geometric center. A mag 14 star is just off the NE edge 0.8' beyond knot. Located 45' SSE of M101 and the asymmetry is from being tidally deformed by M101.

900/1200mm - 48" (5/2/19): at 375x and 545x; very bright, large, highly asymmetrical galaxy. A bright core that is broadly concentrated is offset to the north end of the galaxy. A roundish 2' diameter halo extends to the south. A few faint, nearly stellar spots are on the east side of the halo. The halo was uneven in surface brightness and I had a definite impression of spiral arm structure, but was unable to trace any specific arms. This strongly "sloshed" galaxy is gravitationally distorted by interaction with M101.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb