The open cluster NGC 6520 and nearby dark nebula Barnard 86 are situated in a very dense area of the Milky Way. This spectacular duo is a favorite with deep-sky observers.

Beyond the Messier objects, this cluster and dark nebula ranks as one of the showpieces of the summer sky.

NGC 6520 is about 5 arc-minutes in diameter, with about 40-50 stars visible in an eight-inch telescope. The cluster contains a bright orange star near the center which is surrounded by a tiny circle of stars. To the west of the cluster is the dark nebula Barnard 86, which appears as a sharply-defined, roughly oval inky patch. Upon closer examination, the ragged appearance (seen in the photo above) can be glimpsed. Under good conditions with averted vision, I have also traced a chain of dark patches extending from Barnard 86 toward the east and passing just south of the cluster.

How to get there:

NGC 6520 and B86 are located 3.6° south of M8, or 2.6° north of Gamma Sagittarii.

Finder chart for NGC 6520/B86