When to photograph M 78
M 78 is a reflection nebula in Orion, 5′ across at magnitude 8. Also listed as NGC 2068.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are November to January, with up to 6.0 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in January. It reaches 45° at its highest.
From 35° S the best months are December, with up to 6.0 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in December. It reaches 55° at its highest.
Framing
At 5′ 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
Reflection and dark nebulae are broadband targets. They need dark, moon-free nights and plenty of integration time. 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 78's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- NGC 2024 Flame Nebula 2.3° away
- IC 434 Horsehead Nebula region 2.9° away
- NGC 1977 Running Man Nebula 5.7° away
- M 43 Mairan's Nebula 6.0° away
- M 42 Orion Nebula 6.2° away
- NGC 2170 8.3° away
Gear that suits M 78
M 78 is only 4.5′ 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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