When to photograph M 17 (Omega Nebula)
M 17, the Omega Nebula, is a nebula in Sagittarius, 13′ across at magnitude 7. Also listed as NGC 6618.
When to photograph it
From 45° N it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 29° when it crosses the meridian, low enough that haze and light pollution soften it. It is possible with a clear southern horizon, but hard.
From 35° S the best months are June and July, with up to 8.5 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in June. It reaches 71° at its highest.
Framing
Its long axis is 13′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 1490 to 3410 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 2290 to 5240 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 M 17's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- M 18 1.0° away
- M 16 Eagle Nebula 2.4° away
- M 24 Sagittarius Star Cloud 2.5° away
- M 25 3.9° away
- M 23 6.3° away
- M 21 7.4° away
Gear that suits M 17
M 17 is 13′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 48% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 48% of an APS-C frame's short side 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