The Coathanger Star Cluster in Vulpecula

The Coathanger Star Cluster in Vulpecula

Astrophotographer Greg Parker: "One night this past October, I had an unexpected clear night for observing so was able to capture the appropriately named Coathanger star cluster from the New Forest Observatory in Hampshire, U.K. The Coathanger is actually an asterism in the dim, little constellation of Vupecula. It's a happenstance alignment of stars and not a true open star cluster. The nearest stars in this tight grouping are over 4,000 light years distant."

Alternatively called Brocchi's Cluster, the Coathanger can be seen with the naked eye from very dark skies, but a good pair of binoculars or a small telescope affords a particularly inviting view. 

Image Details: ASI 2600MC Pro OSC CMOS cameras on the MiniWASP array (Wide-field Astronomical Survey Platform); 200 mm lenses; 30 x 10-minute subs

Image Credit: Greg Parker
Caption Credit: Greg Parker; Jim Foster
Capture Location: New Forest Observatory, U.K. Coordinates: 50.819444, -1.59

Image Date: Oct. 23, 2024
Release Date: Feb. 12, 2025

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