William Herschel discovered NGC 5806 = H II-539 = h1894 on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532) and recorded "pB, cL, gbM, lE." JH made the single observation "B; sbM to nucleus; E pos 75° np." and measured an accurate position.

400/500mm - 17.5" (5/10/91): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 2.2'x1.1', gradually brightens to a small bright core. NGC 5813 lies 21' SE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb