When to photograph M 106
M 106 is a galaxy in Canes Venatici, 17′ x 7′ across at magnitude 9.3. Also listed as NGC 4258.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are January to March, with up to 8.8 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in February. It reaches 88° at its highest. It never sets from this latitude, so some imaging is possible all year.
From 35° S it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 8° 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 17′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 1100 to 2520 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 1700 to 3880 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 106's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
Gear that suits M 106
M 106 is 17′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 64% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 64% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED 840 mm f/7: fills 27% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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