Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5837 = Sw. IX-44 on 19 Jun 1887 and recorded "vF; S; R; D * nf points to it; planetary." His position is just 6 sec of RA west of UGC 9686. The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer and referenced as list VI in the NGC, but was not published until list IX in 1890. Swift's original description sent to Dreyer correctly notes "D * np" (the two stars are 5.5' northwest) and the list IX comment "D * nf points to it" is in error.

400/500mm - 17.5" (5/2/92): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 SW-NE, gradually brighter halo, small bright core. A very faint star or companion lies 1.4' NE. Brightest in a group with NGC 5851 and NGC 5852 35' NE. On the POSS, there is a very faint and small companion 1.5' NE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb