John Herschel discovered NGC 6502 = h3716 on 20 Jun 1835 and noted "the following star (14m) of a vF double * 11m is nebulous. The nebula is excessively faint, but I am sure of its existence. The preceding star is free." On a second observation he logged "vF; 30"; involves 2 or 3 stars." His mean position is on the east side of the halo.

600/800mm - 25" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 318x): moderately bright and large, slightly elongated, roughly 1.0'x0.8', gradually increases to a small brighter core and a faint stellar nucleus. A mag 13.7 star is at the west edge [24" from center] and a small string of very faint stars is just off the southeast edge. Floats in a rich star field with a mag 9.5 star 7' SE and a mag 10 star 9' SE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb