Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5801 = LM 1-215, along with NGC 5802 and 5803, on 10 Jun 1885. He noted "vF, vS, sbM, 1st of 3." Herbert Howe's micrometric position, measured in 1899-00 with the 20-inch refractor in Denver, is accurate.

400/500mm - 17.5" first of three in a group. Extremely faint, fairly small, possibly elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.7'x0.4', very low even surface brightness. Forms a close pair with NGC 5802 1.5' SE. NGC 5803 2.2' NE not seen.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb