When to photograph IC 342 (Hidden Galaxy)
IC 342, the Hidden Galaxy, is a galaxy in Camelopardalis, 20′ x 19′ across at magnitude 9.7. Also listed as C 5.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are October to January, with up to 11.7 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in December. 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 20′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 950 to 2170 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 1460 to 3330 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 342's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- IC 1848 Soul Nebula 9.7° away
- IC 1805 Heart Nebula 10.2° away
- IC 1795 Fish Head Nebula 10.3° away
- NGC 896 10.4° away
- NGC 663 14.4° away
- C 14 Double Cluster 14.6° away
Gear that suits IC 342
IC 342 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 75% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 75% 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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