William Herschel discovered NGC 5574 = H I-145 = h1782 on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558), along with NGC 5576, and described both as "Two, the time place is that of the 2nd NGC 5576]. The preceding [NGC 5574] pB, pL, E. Distance about 3 or 4' from sp to nf." JH's simply reported "F; S; lE" and measured an accurate position.

400/500mm - 17.5" (3/23/85): fairly faint, very elongated WSW-ENE, small bright core possibly stellar. Second brightest of three in a group with NGC 5576 2.7' NE.

600/800mm - 24" (6/8/13): bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 NW-SE, ~1.2'x0.8'. Sharply concentrated with a very bright elongated core that increases to an intense central spot. Forms a prominent pair with NGC 5576 2.8' NE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb