When to photograph IC 2574 (Coddington's Nebula)
IC 2574, the Coddington's Nebula, is a galaxy in Ursa Major, 13′ x 6′ across at magnitude 10.5.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are December to February, with up to 11.3 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in January. It reaches 67° 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 13′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 1460 to 3330 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 2240 to 5120 mm.
Filters and the moon
Galaxies are broadband targets. Filters cannot separate their light from light pollution, so dark skies and moon-free nights matter most. 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 2574's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- M 81 Bode's Galaxy 3.0° away
- M 82 Cigar Galaxy 3.2° away
- NGC 4236 9.7° away
- M 108 13.7° away
- M 97 Owl Nebula 14.4° away
- M 40 Winnecke 4 16.2° away
Gear that suits IC 2574
IC 2574 is 13′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 49% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 49% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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