William Herschel discovered NGC 5859 = H II-752 = h1905, along with NGC 5857, on 27 Apr 1788 (sweep 833) and recorded "Two, the 1st NGC 5857] cF, cS. The 2nd pF, pL, both lE." See NGC 5857 for the observations at Birr Castle (a total of 13 were made).

400/500mm - 17.5" (4/4/92): moderately bright and large, very elongated 7:2 NW-SE, brighter along the major axis. Larger and brighter though similar position angle to companion NGC 5857 2.1' WNW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb