When to photograph M 34
M 34 is an open cluster in Perseus, 23′ across at magnitude 5.2. Also listed as NGC 1039.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are October to December, with up to 10.7 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in November. It reaches 88° at its highest.
From 35° S it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 12° 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 23′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 830 to 1910 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 1280 to 2930 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 34's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- NGC 891 3.6° away
- NGC 1275 Perseus A 7.1° away
- NGC 925 9.6° away
- NGC 752 9.8° away
- M 76 Barbell Nebula 13.4° away
- NGC 1333 Embryo Nebula 14.7° away
Gear that suits M 34
M 34 is 23′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED 840 mm f/7: fills 35% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher Quattro 200P 800 mm f/4: fills 34% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher 130PDS 650 mm f/5: fills 27% 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