NGC 6482 is the nearest "Fossil Group" -- the end-product of extensive merging of a once normal group, leaving a massive central galaxy that dominates the luminosity of a X-ray luminous group (delta Rmag ≥ 2.0 with next brightest group member).

John Herschel discovered NGC 6482 = h1989 on 12 Jul 1830 and recorded "a S, R, very perceptible disc 1" or 1.5" dia, with a vF nebula surrounding it – among many stars 12 and 14m, none of which are so affect. A curious object." His position is accurate and his description reflects the sharp stellar or quasi-stellar nucleus.

300/350mm - 13.1" (7/5/83): fairly bright, very small, compact, bright stellar nucleus (superimposed star), surrounded by a faint halo with averted. Located in a rich star field.

400/500mm - 17.5" (7/1/89): fairly bright, small, very bright stellar nucleus (this is a superimposed star 8" from center!), small halo WSW-ENE. Forms the southern vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 10 stars 2.4' NW and 2.5' NE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb