When to photograph M 12
M 12 is a globular cluster in Ophiuchus, 11′ across at magnitude 6.1. Also listed as NGC 6218.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are April to June, with up to 3.8 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in May. It reaches 43° at its highest.
From 35° S the best months are May to July, with up to 7.2 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in May. It reaches 57° at its highest.
Framing
Its long axis is 11′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 1690 to 3870 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 2600 to 5950 mm.
Filters and the moon
Clusters are broadband targets, but bright ones tolerate some moonlight and light pollution. Short subs keep the brightest stars from clipping. 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 12's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- M 10 3.3° away
- M 107 11.7° away
- M 14 12.6° away
- M 9 18.3° away
- IC 4592 Blue Horsehead Nebula 19.5° away
- IC 4604 Rho Ophiuchi region 22.1° away
Gear that suits M 12
M 12 is 11′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 42% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 42% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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