September 9, 2024

NGC 6618-6645

NGC 6618 (M17). Swan Nebula. Sgr. At 24 mm with CLS filter, displays the eponymous shape: a massive nebula greatly extended E-W with a hook running S from its W end. Several bright stars surround the hook.

NGC 6633, OC, Oph. Large and bright, poor, no concentration. A larger and a smaller triangle of bright stars, between them a broken line of fainter stars. 24 mm, CLS filter.

NGC 6645, OC, Sgr. Adequately framed in the 20' field at 24 mm. Relatively poor and scattered; the periphery is dominated by comparatively bright stars; fainter stars appear gathered toward the center.