When to photograph M 60

When to photograph it

From 45° N the best months are February to April, with up to 7.2 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

Its long axis is 7′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 2760 to 6310 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 4250 to 9710 mm.

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 60's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.

Nearby targets

• M 59 0.4° away
• M 58 1.5° away
• M 89 2.2° away
• M 90 2.3° away
• M 87 Virgo Galaxy 3.3° away
• M 91 3.6° away