When to photograph M 59
M 59 is a galaxy in Virgo, 5′ x 3′ across at magnitude 9.6. Also listed as NGC 4621.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are February to April, with up to 7.3 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in March. It reaches 57° at its highest.
From 35° S the best months are March to May, with up to 5.3 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in March. It reaches 43° at its highest.
Framing
At 5′ x 3′ it is small. Even 4000 mm of focal length leaves it filling less than a third of an APS-C frame, so it suits long focal lengths, small pixels and good seeing.
Filters and the moon
Galaxies are broadband targets. Filters cannot separate their light from light pollution, so dark skies and moon-free nights matter most. 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 59'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 59
M 59 is only 4.6′ 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 17% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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