NGC 6664
Santa’s Sleigh Cluster in Scutum

10.1″ f/4.5, Mallincam DS432cTEC
Exposure = 5 sec, Live Stacked frames = 15, Gain = 10.35 of 250

A bright open star cluster, NGC 6664 (also Collinder 385 and Melotte 209), known as Santa’s Sleigh or Teacup Cluster, is composed of a couple dozen 10th magnitude stars that stand out well from the backdrop. Bright 3rd magnitude Alpha Scuti is the orange-hued star beautifully juxtaposed beside it. The cluster covers an area roughly 20 arc minutes square. Can you see the sleigh or teacup? (hover over image)

North at 12 o’clock, East at 9 o’clock