Collinder 399, widely known as the Coathanger Cluster, is a striking asterism in the constellation Vulpecula. This grouping of stars forms a distinctive pattern resembling an upside-down coat hanger, making it one of the most recognizable star arrangements in the summer Milky Way. Although it appears to be a true cluster, the Coathanger is actually an optical alignment of stars at different distances rather than a gravitationally bound system.

Set against the dense star fields of the Milky Way, the bright blue and orange stars of Collinder 399 stand out prominently in this image. Dark interstellar dust clouds weave through the scene, adding contrast and depth to the golden background of countless distant suns. The composition highlights the simplicity of this naked-eye pattern amid the complexity of the galactic plane.