John Herschel discovered NGC 6709 = h2020 on 29 Jul 1827 and recorded "a p considerable cl; 15' diam; irreg fig, 50 or 60 stars, large and scattered. The place is that of the double star No. 870 [HJ 870] of my third catalogue." His position is accurate.

300/350mm - 13" fairly large, about 70 stars in cluster, includes some close double stars.

400/500mm - 17.5" (8/1/86): over 100 stars mag 9-14 resolved in a 15-20' field but not dense. Appears best at 83x-105x. An easy mag 10 double star at 22" separation is at the east side and a close fainter pair follows. Visible in 16x80 finder.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb