John Herschel discovered NGC 6215 = h3647 on 9 Jul 1836 and recorded "pF; R; vglbM; has a yellow * 5m preceding it [Eta Ara], 1min 19s +/- Delta RA, and 3' or 4' south." His single position is on the south side of the galaxy.

400/500mm - 18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright and large, round, 1.3' diameter, weak concentration. A mag 12.5 star is superimposed on the north edge ~25" from the center and a couple of additional faint stars are very near or involved. This spiral is situated in a rich star field 11' ENE of mag 3.8 Eta Arae. Brightest in a group along with NGC 6221 19' SE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb