Caldwell 37 — Open Cluster in Vulpecula
NGC 6885
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.
Observe
1Properties
Position & Identifiers
2How easy to spot?
| Telescope | Bortle 3 | Bortle 4 | Bortle 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 mm refractor 80mm refr. | Easy | Easy | Easy |
| 150 mm Newton 150mm Newt. | Easy | Easy | Easy |
| Celestron C8 (203 mm SCT) C8 203mm | Easy | Easy | Easy |
Bortle 3 = rural · 4 = outer suburbs · 5 = suburbs
3Visibility
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4
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Community Photos (1)
Credit: Roberto Mura. License: Public domain. (Wikimedia Commons)
Skybred Mar 2, 2026
Nearby in the Sky
Other targets within a few degrees — pan your scope a little and keep exploring.
Visibility scores assume a 150 mm Newton at Bortle 4.
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