Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6163 = St I-6, along with NGC 6161 and 6162, on 30 Jun 1870. His position is accurate.

400/500mm - 17.5" (8/14/96): second brightest of four in HCG 82 located just 1.2' following NGC 6162. Appears very faint, small, slightly elongated, ~30" diameter. More weakly concentrated and slightly fainter than NGC 6162 but has a similar size.

17.5" (7/1/89): faint, very small, elongated N-S, weak concentration. Second brightest of three in HCG 82 with NGC 6162 1' W and NGC 6161 3' SSW.

600/800mm - 24" (7/15/15): at 375x; fairly faint, small, elongated N-S, 24"x18", very small bright nucleus.

24" (6/16/12): at 322x this member of HCG 82 appeared faint to fairly faint, small, elongated N-S, 0.4'x0.25' very small brighter nucleus. Forms a very close pair with NGC 6162 1.2' W.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb