William Herschel discovered NGC 5486 = H II-801 on 14 Apr 1789 (last object in the long sweep 921) and noted "F, S." His position (CH's reduction) is 2' northeast of UGC 9036. Bigourdan measured an accurate position

300/350mm - 13" (6/29/84): very faint, averted only, very elongated ~E-W, no details. Located 6.5' NNE of NGC 5485.

400/500mm - 17.5" (5/10/86): fairly faint, moderately large, diffuse, very small brighter core. Last of three with NGC 5485 6.4' SSW and NGC 5484 7.1' SW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb