William Herschel discovered NGC 5661 = H II-892 = h1830 on 12 May 1793 (sweep 1043) and recorded "F, S, E nearly in the meridian." His position is just off the east side of the galaxy. JH made two observations and noted (sweep 250) "vF; pL; irr fig."

400/500mm - 17.5" (6/8/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, weak concentration. NGC 5652 lies 21' SW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb