When to photograph M 48
M 48 is an open cluster in Hydra, 28′ across at magnitude 5.8. Also listed as NGC 2548.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are December to February, with up to 4.8 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in January. It reaches 39° at its highest.
From 35° S the best months are January and February, with up to 6.3 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in January. It reaches 61° at its highest.
Framing
Its long axis is 28′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 670 to 1520 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 1020 to 2340 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 48's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- NGC 2506 6.1° away
- M 46 12.0° away
- M 47 12.6° away
- NGC 2359 Thor's Helmet 15.5° away
- NGC 2360 Caroline's Cluster 16.9° away
- IC 2177 Seagull Nebula 17.7° away
Gear that suits M 48
M 48 is 28′ 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 44% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher Quattro 200P 800 mm f/4: fills 42% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher 130PDS 650 mm f/5: fills 34% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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