| NGC 6664 | |
|---|---|
 NGC 6664 | |
| Observation data | |
| Right ascension | 18h 37m 56s |
| Declination | -08° 11’ 52” |
| Distance | 4892 ly (1.5kpc [1] ) |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | 7.8 |
| Apparent dimensions (V) | 12′ |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Mass | 2000 [2] M☉ |
| Estimated age | 20 million years |
| Other designations | OCL 68, C 1834-082, Herschel 354 [3] , Melotte 209, Cr 385, Santa's Sleigh Cluster, Teacup Cluster [4] |
| Associations | |
| Constellation | Scutum |
NGC 6664 is an open cluster in Scutum. [5] It has a magnitude of 7.8, and is visible with binoculars or a small telescope under good conditions. [6] It is located near NGC 6649. Due to its location in the galactic plane, it can be difficult to distinguish from the fainter background stars. [7] It is located nearby to the much brighter star Alpha Scuti.
It was discovered on June 16, 1784 by William Herschel, [8] and later observed by his son, John Herschel. [9] NGC 6664 is home to 16 Cepheid variable stars. 11 are B type, the remaining five are red giants. [10]
NGC 6664 contains the yellow supergiant EV Scuti, which is also classified a cepheid variable. [11]
