When to photograph M 32
M 32 is a galaxy in Andromeda, 8′ x 5′ across at magnitude 8.1. Also listed as NGC 221.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are September to November, with up to 9.8 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in October. It reaches 86° at its highest.
From 35° S it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 14° 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 8′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 2440 to 5570 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 3750 to 8570 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 32's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- M 31 Andromeda Galaxy 0.4° away
- M 110 0.9° away
- NGC 185 7.5° away
- NGC 147 7.8° away
- NGC 7662 Blue Snowball Nebula 14.4° away
- M 33 Triangulum Galaxy 14.5° away
Gear that suits M 32
M 32 is 7.7′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 29% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 29% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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