NGC 6946 is an 8.8 magnitude barred spiral galaxy in Cepheus. It is located 39' southeast of NGC 6939. Observing with the 10-inch at 129X, the galaxy covers roughly 13'x5' and is aligned nearly east-to-west. NGC 6946 shows wonderful structure. A bright, elongated core region is recorded in my sketch. This feature stretches along the axis of the bar. A pair of spiral arms are visible at the eastern extent of the galactic disk. The eastern half also displays a more mottled appearance. Three subtle spiral arms are visible in western portion of the disk. A triangle of 10th and 11th magnitude GSC stars resides immediately to the south of NGC 6946. Another pair of stars, 10th and 11th magnitude, sits just a few arc minutes to the north. You'll find NGC 6946 2 degrees southwest of 3.4 magnitude Eta (3) Cephei.