Open Cluster NGC 6940
History
This open cluster was discovered by William Herschel on 17 July 1784 using his 18.3-inch reflecting telescope. He listed it as VII 8 and noted: «A very rich cluster of pretty small scattered stars most of the same size. 20' diametre.» [463]
Physical Properties
| Designation | NGC 6940 |
| Type | OCL (III2m) |
| Right Ascension (J2000.0) | 20h 34m 32.3s |
| Declination (J2000.0) | +28° 16' 49" |
| Diameter | 25 arcmin |
| Visual magnitude | 6.3 mag |
| Metric Distance | 0.770 kpc |
| Dreyer Description | Cl, vB, vL, vRi, cC, st pL |
| Identification, Remarks | WH VII 8; GC 4591; OCL 141 |
Finder Chart
The open cluster NGC 6940 is located in the constellation Vulpecula. On 30 July it is in opposition with the Sun and is therefore highest in the sky at local midnight.
