When to photograph M 33 (Triangulum Galaxy)
M 33, the Triangulum Galaxy, is a galaxy in Triangulum, 62′ x 37′ across at magnitude 5.8. Also listed as NGC 598.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are October and November, with up to 9.8 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in October. It reaches 76° at its highest.
From 35° S it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 24° 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 62′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 300 to 690 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 460 to 1060 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 33'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 33
M 33 is 62′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- William Optics Zenithstar 73 III 430 mm f/5.9: fills 50% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher Evostar 72ED 420 mm f/5.8: fills 49% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Takahashi FSQ-85EDX 450 mm f/5.3: fills 52% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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