When to photograph IC 2177 (Seagull Nebula)
IC 2177, the Seagull Nebula, is a reflection nebula in Monoceros, 20′ across.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are November to February, with up to 3.5 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in January. It reaches 35° at its highest.
From 35° S the best months are December and January, with up to 6.3 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in January. It reaches 65° at its highest.
Framing
Its long axis is 20′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 940 to 2150 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 1440 to 3300 mm.
Filters and the moon
Reflection and dark nebulae are broadband targets. They need dark, moon-free nights and plenty of integration time. 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 IC 2177's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- M 50 2.2° away
- NGC 2359 Thor's Helmet 4.4° away
- NGC 2360 Caroline's Cluster 6.1° away
- M 47 8.8° away
- M 46 10.0° away
- M 41 11.2° away
Gear that suits IC 2177
IC 2177 is 20′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 76% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 76% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED 840 mm f/7: fills 31% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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