When to photograph M 35
M 35 is an open cluster in Gemini, 24′ across at magnitude 5.1. Also listed as NGC 2168.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are December and January, with up to 9.5 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in December. It reaches 69° at its highest.
From 35° S the best months are November to January, with up to 1.3 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in January. It reaches 31° at its highest.
Framing
Its long axis is 24′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 780 to 1790 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 1200 to 2750 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 35's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- IC 443 Jellyfish Nebula 2.5° away
- NGC 2174 Monkey Head Nebula 3.7° away
- M 1 Crab Nebula 8.3° away
- M 37 9.0° away
- M 36 12.1° away
- IC 417 Spider Nebula 13.5° away
Gear that suits M 35
M 35 is 24′ 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 38% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher Quattro 200P 800 mm f/4: fills 36% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher 130PDS 650 mm f/5: fills 29% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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