William Herschel discovered NGC 5953 = H II-178 = h1927, along with NGC 5954, on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 200) and described both in sweep 200 as "Two, vS, stellar nebula, very near each other; the southern one [NGC 5953] is the largest and their nebulosities run into each other. 240x confirmed it." He also observed the pair on two later sweeps (571 and 720) and measured an accurate position (1' south). LdR (or assistant Bindon Stoney) logged "pB, the nf one NGC 5954] is larger and the light of a more diffused character; that of the preceding one [NGC 5953] is more concentrated. A small star precedes."

400/500mm - 17.5" (7/7/94): bright, very small, round, 0.8' diameter. Sharp concentration with a striking high surface brightness 20" core surrounded by a much fainter halo slightly elongated ~E-W. A mag 15-15.5 star is just visible at the SW edge 23" from the center. Forms a striking double system (Arp 91 = VV 244) with NGC 5954 attached at the NE edge, 46" between centers. NGC 5951 lies 16' SW.

600/800mm - 24" (6/8/13): very bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, ~45"x35", sharply concentrated with a very bright small core. A mag 15 star is at the SW edge. Forms a bright, partially overlapping double system (Arp 91) with NGC 5954 on the NE side.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb