William Herschel discovered NGC 5507 = H IV-49 = h1758 on 15 Apr 1787 (sweep 730) and recorded "pB, stellar nebula, like a star with a small bur all around." His RA is 13 sec too large, but John Herschel measured an accurate position.

400/500mm - 17.5" (4/4/92): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, small bright core dominates, faint extensions. Forms a pair with NGC 5506 3.7' SSW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb