When to photograph M 77
M 77 is a galaxy in Cetus, 6′ x 6′ across at magnitude 9.3. Also listed as NGC 1068.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are October to December, with up to 6.0 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in October. It reaches 45° at its highest.
From 35° S the best months are September to November, with up to 6.2 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in October. It reaches 55° at its highest.
Framing
Its long axis is 6′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 3080 to 7030 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 4730 to 10820 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 77's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- M 74 22.7° away
- IC 1613 24.6° away
- M 45 Pleiades 28.8° away
- C 41 Hyades 30.2° away
- NGC 1097 30.3° away
- NGC 246 Skull Nebula 31.0° away
Gear that suits M 77
M 77 is only 6.1′ 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 23% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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