Discovered on February 3, 1775 by Johann Elert Bode.
Independently rediscovered on February 26, 1777 by Charles Messier.
[PT 1814 p. 277, SP2 p. 537]
[Jan. 13, 1806?]
7 feet telescope, space penetrating power 20.25. "The 53d of the
Connoiss [M 53 = NGC 5024] with 118 is easily resolvable, and some of
the stars may be seen."
It will not be necessary to add that the two last mentioned globular
clusters [M19 and M53], viewed with more powerful
instruments, are of equal beauty with the rest; and from what has been said
it is obvious that here the exertion of a clustering power has brought the
accumulation and artificial construction of these wonderful celestial objects
to the highest degree of mysterious perfection.
[PT 1818 p. 444, SP2 p. 598]
The 53rd of the Connoissance. [M 53 = NGC 5024]
"1813, 7 feet finder. It appears like a very small haziness."
"1783, 7 feet telescope. With 460 the object is extremely faint.
1813, with 118 it is easily resolvable, and some of the stars may be seen."
"1783, 10 feet telescope. With 250, I perceive 4 or 5 places that seem to
consist of very small stars."
"1784, 1786, 20 feet telescope. A globular cluster of very compressed stars."
From the observation of the 7 feet telescope, it appears that the profundity
of this cluster is of the 243d order.
Sweep 26 (May 7, 1826)
RA 13h 4m 33.4s, NPD 70d 55' 38" (1830.0)
extremely compressed. A most beautiful object.
Sweep 63 (March 25, 1827)
RA 13h 4m 33.5s, NPD 70d 55' 32" (1830.0)
Seen by Mr. Baily. A fine compressed cluster, with curved appendages like
the short claws of a crab running out from the main body.
Sweep 61 (March 23, 1827)
RA 13h 4m 34.6s, NPD 70d 55' 6" (1830.0)
A mass of close-wedged stars 5' in diam; a few = 12m, the rest of the
smallest size and innumerable.
A mass of close-wedged stars 5' in diameter; a few of 12m, the rest of the
smallest size [faintest magnitude] and innumerable.
Sweep 62 (March 24, 1827)
RA 13h 4m 35.1s, NPD 70d 55' 33" (1830.0)
Observed with Mr. Baily.
Sweep 334 (March 17, 1831)
Viewed. A most beautiful cluster.
Last Modification: February 9, 2004