NGC 6820 and NGC 6823

NGC 6820 is a small emission nebula near the open cluster NGC 6823 in Vulpecula. The reflection nebula and cluster are embedded in a large faint emission nebula called Sh 2-86. The whole area of nebulosity is often referred to as NGC 6820.^[3]

Right ascension19^h 42^m 27.92^s[1]

Declination+23° 05′ 14.7″^[1]

Distance6,000^[2] ly

Apparent dimensions (V)40 arcmins

Quick facts Emission nebula, Observation data: J2000.0 epoch ...

Emission Nebula NGC6820 with Open Cluster NGC6823

Emission nebula
NGC 6820/NGC 6823
Observation data: J2000.0 epoch
Right ascension	19h 42m 27.92s[1]
Declination	+23° 05′ 14.7″[1]
Distance	6,000[2] ly
Apparent dimensions (V)	40 arcmins
Constellation	Vulpecula
Designations	Nebula (NGC 6820, Sh2-86)
See also: Lists of nebulae

Close

M27, the Dumbbell Nebula, is found three degrees to the east, and α Vulpeculae three degrees to the west.

Open star cluster NGC 6823 is about 50 light-years across and lies about 6,000 light-years away. The center of the cluster formed about two million years ago and is dominated in brightness by a host of bright young blue stars. Outer parts of the cluster contain even younger stars.^[2] It forms the core of the Vulpecula OB1 stellar association.^[4]