Brocchi's Cluster
The Coathanger


60 second exposure. Modified Canon Digital Rebel DSLR camera.
5" f/5 refractor at prime focus.

In southern Vulpecula, close to the border with Sagitta, lies one of the most distinctive stellar grouping in the northern sky, Brocchi's Cluster, more commonly known as "The Coathanger". The nickname really does describe its appearence. In a wide-field telescope or binoculars, it actually does look like a celestial coathanger.

The small cluster to the right (east) is NGC 6802.