When to photograph IC 434 (Horsehead Nebula region)
IC 434, the Horsehead Nebula region, is an emission nebula in Orion, 60′ x 40′ across at magnitude 11.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are November to January, with up to 5.5 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in January. It reaches 43° at its highest.
From 35° S the best months are December, with up to 6.0 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in December. It reaches 57° at its highest.
Framing
Its long axis is 60′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 310 to 720 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 480 to 1100 mm.
Filters and the moon
It glows in H-alpha, and often OIII, so a dual-band filter on a color camera or narrowband filters on a mono camera cut light pollution and keep it workable with the moon up. 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 434's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- NGC 2024 Flame Nebula 0.6° away
- NGC 1977 Running Man Nebula 2.8° away
- M 78 2.9° away
- M 43 Mairan's Nebula 3.1° away
- M 42 Orion Nebula 3.3° away
- NGC 2170 7.7° away
Gear that suits IC 434
IC 434 is 60′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop. It shines in H-alpha and OIII, so a dual-band filter on a color camera cuts through light pollution and moonlight.
- Takahashi FSQ-85EDX 450 mm f/5.3: fills 50% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- William Optics Zenithstar 73 III 430 mm f/5.9: fills 48% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher Evostar 72ED 420 mm f/5.8: fills 47% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Optolong L-Ultimate 3 nm 3 nm dual-band, Ha, OIII, for color cameras View at High Point Scientific
- Antlia ALP-T 5 nm 5 nm dual-band, Ha, OIII, for color cameras View at High Point Scientific
Retailer links are affiliate links. If you buy through one, the site may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details