When to photograph M 104 (Sombrero Galaxy)
M 104, the Sombrero Galaxy, is a galaxy in Virgo, 9′ x 5′ across at magnitude 8.6. Also listed as NGC 4594.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are January to April, with up to 2.8 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in February. It reaches 33° at its highest.
From 35° S the best months are March to May, with up to 8.2 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in April. It reaches 67° at its highest.
Framing
Its long axis is 9′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 2210 to 5050 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 3400 to 7770 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 M 104's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- NGC 4697 6.2° away
- NGC 4038 Antennae Galaxies 11.7° away
- NGC 4039 Antennae Galaxies 11.7° away
- M 68 15.1° away
- M 61 16.7° away
- M 49 19.8° away
Gear that suits M 104
M 104 is 8.5′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 32% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 32% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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