When to photograph M 8 (Lagoon Nebula)
M 8, the Lagoon Nebula, is a nebula in Sagittarius, 90′ x 40′ across at magnitude 5.8. Also listed as NGC 6523.
When to photograph it
From 45° N it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 21° when it crosses the meridian, low enough that haze and light pollution soften it. It is possible with a clear southern horizon, but hard.
From 35° S the best months are May to July, with up to 9.2 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in June. It reaches 79° at its highest.
Framing
Its long axis is 90′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 210 to 480 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 320 to 730 mm.
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 8's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- M 20 Trifid Nebula 1.4° away
- M 21 1.9° away
- M 28 4.8° away
- M 23 5.6° away
- M 24 Sagittarius Star Cloud 6.6° away
- M 22 7.5° away
Gear that suits M 8
M 8 is 90′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- William Optics RedCat 61 300 mm f/4.9: fills 50% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- William Optics RedCat 51 250 mm f/4.9: fills 42% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Askar FRA400 400 mm f/5.6: fills 67% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
Retailer links are affiliate links. If you buy through one, the site may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details