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When to photograph M 43 (Mairan's Nebula)

M 43, the Mairan's Nebula, is an emission nebula in Orion, 20′ x 15′ across at magnitude 9. Also listed as NGC 1982.

When to photograph it

From 45° N the best months are November to January, with up to 5.0 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in November. It reaches 40° at its highest.

From 35° S the best months are November and December, with up to 6.0 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in December. It reaches 60° at its highest.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec6h0
From 45° NFrom 35° SDark hours above 30°, on the 15th of each month

Framing

Its long axis is 20′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 940 to 2150 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 1440 to 3300 mm.

Filters and the moon

It glows in H-alpha, and often OIII, so a dual-band filter on a color camera or narrowband filters on a mono camera cut light pollution and keep it workable with the moon up. 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 43'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 43

M 43 is 20′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop. It shines in H-alpha and OIII, so a dual-band filter on a color camera cuts through light pollution and moonlight.

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