When to photograph C 14 (Double Cluster)
C 14, the Double Cluster, is a star cloud or asterism in Perseus, 50′ across.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are October to December, with up to 11.0 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in November. It reaches 78° at its highest. It never sets from this latitude, so some imaging is possible all year.
From 35° S it never rises.
Framing
Its long axis is 50′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 380 to 860 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 580 to 1320 mm.
Filters and the moon
Clusters are broadband targets, but bright ones tolerate some moonlight and light pollution. Short subs keep the brightest stars from clipping. The dark sky calendar shows which nights this month are moon-free where you are.
Plan it for tonight
Dates and times depend on your exact location. The imaging planner shows C 14's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- IC 1805 Heart Nebula 4.6° away
- NGC 896 4.9° away
- IC 1795 Fish Head Nebula 5.0° away
- IC 1848 Soul Nebula 5.1° away
- NGC 663 6.0° away
- M 103 7.0° away
Gear that suits C 14
C 14 is 50′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Sky-Watcher Esprit 100ED 550 mm f/5.5: fills 51% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Askar FRA600 600 mm f/5.6: fills 56% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- William Optics GT81 IV 478 mm f/5.9: fills 45% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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