John Herschel discovered NGC 5765 = h1880 on 24 Apr 1830 and recorded "vF; a double nebula, both individuals eF." His position matches this contact pair. R.J. Mitchell made another observation on 10 May 1855 at Birr Castle and wrote, "2 vS neb np and sf, very close both R, bM. The sf neb seems a little the larger the brighter." So, there is no doubt both galaxies were seen, although only a single NGC designation was assigned.

400/500mm - 17.5" (4/13/91): NGC 5765 is a very close double system oriented NW-SE. The southeast component (NGC 5765B) is brighter and appears faint, small, round. NGC 5765A is virtually in contact at the northwest end and appeared very faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, low surface brightness. The nuclei have a separation of 20".

600/800mm - 24" (6/30/16): at 322x; NGC 5765B is moderately bright, fairly small, round, 24" diameter, sharply concentrated with a very small bright core that stands out. Brighter of a contact pair with NGC 5765A 24" NW. The companion appeared very faint, fairly small, elongated ~5:2 E-W, 30"x12", contains a very small brighter core, very faint low surface brightness extensions.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb