When to photograph M 87 (Virgo Galaxy)
M 87, the Virgo Galaxy, is a galaxy in Virgo, 7′ x 7′ across at magnitude 9. Also listed as NGC 4486.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are February to April, with up to 7.5 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 5.2 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 2640 to 6040 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 4070 to 9300 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 87'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 87
M 87 is 7.1′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 27% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 27% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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