William Herschel discovered NGC 6177 = H III-890 = h1964 on 28 May 1791 (sweep 409) and recorded "vF; pL; lE; lbM." JH logged "F; irr fig; r; 2 or 3 of its stars seen, also on 13m 30" distance nf. RA reduction fluctuating and uncertain in this sweep." Nevertheless, his mean position from two sweeps is accurate. Nearby NGC 6179 was discovered at Birr Castle.

400/500mm - 17.5" (7/1/89): faint, small, elongated SSW-NNE, bright core. A mag 12 is 1.1' NE of center. Pair with NGC 6179 3.2' NE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb