When to photograph IC 410 (Tadpoles Nebula)
IC 410, the Tadpoles Nebula, is a nebula in Auriga, 40′ x 30′ across.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are November to January, with up to 10.5 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in December. It reaches 78° at its highest.
From 35° S it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 22° when it crosses the meridian, low enough that haze and light pollution soften it. It is possible with a clear northern horizon, but hard.
Framing
Its long axis is 40′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 470 to 1070 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 720 to 1650 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 410's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- NGC 1893 0.0° away
- IC 417 Spider Nebula 1.5° away
- IC 405 Flaming Star Nebula 1.6° away
- M 38 2.8° away
- M 36 2.9° away
- M 37 6.3° away
Gear that suits IC 410
IC 410 is 40′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Sky-Watcher 130PDS 650 mm f/5: fills 48% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Askar FRA600 600 mm f/5.6: fills 45% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher Quattro 200P 800 mm f/4: fills 60% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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