When to photograph M 56
M 56 is a globular cluster in Lyra, 6′ across at magnitude 8.4. Also listed as NGC 6779.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are August and September, with up to 5.7 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in August. It reaches 75° at its highest.
From 35° S it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 25° 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 6′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 3240 to 7400 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 4980 to 11380 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 56's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- M 57 Ring Nebula 5.7° away
- NGC 6820 9.1° away
- M 27 Dumbbell Nebula 12.2° away
- NGC 6882 12.7° away
- NGC 6888 Crescent Nebula 14.1° away
- M 71 14.2° away
Gear that suits M 56
M 56 is only 5.8′ across, so it stays small in any amateur telescope. The longest focal length gives it the most pixels.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 22% 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