When to photograph M 63 (Sunflower Galaxy)
M 63, the Sunflower Galaxy, is a galaxy in Canes Venatici, 12′ x 7′ across at magnitude 8.6. Also listed as NGC 5055.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are February to April, with up to 8.7 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in March. It reaches 87° at its highest.
From 35° S it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 13° 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 12′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 1590 to 3640 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 2450 to 5590 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 63'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 63
M 63 is 12′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 45% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 45% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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