C37
NGC 6885
Object Data
- Catalog Designation
- C37
- Type
- OpenCluster
- Constellation
- Vulpecula
- Magnitude
- 6.0
- Right Ascension
- 20h 12m 16.1s
- Declination
- +26° 28' 58.8"
- Distance
- 1,900 light-years
- Angular Size
- 7
Survey Image
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About C37
Description
NGC 6885 is an open cluster in Vulpecula, about 1,950 light-years away. It is a compact group of about 30 stars surrounding the bright star 20 Vulpeculae, spanning about 7 arcminutes.
Observing Tips
Easy to locate near 20 Vulpeculae. A small telescope at low power shows the cluster nicely. It overlaps with the larger, sparser cluster NGC 6882. Best observed in summer and early autumn evenings.
History
Discovered by William Herschel on September 8, 1784. The relationship between NGC 6882 and NGC 6885 has been debated, with some considering them one cluster and others treating them as separate overlapping groups.
Fun Facts
The bright star 20 Vulpeculae at the cluster's center is a blue-white giant visible to the naked eye at magnitude 5.9, making the cluster easy to find.
Community Photos (1)
Credit: Roberto Mura. License: Public domain. (Wikimedia Commons)
Skybred Mar 2, 2026