When to photograph M 9
M 9 is a globular cluster in Ophiuchus, 7′ across at magnitude 8.4. Also listed as NGC 6333.
When to photograph it
From 45° N it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 26° 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 8.8 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in June. It reaches 74° 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 2720 to 6220 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 4190 to 9570 mm.
Filters and the moon
Clusters are broadband targets, but bright ones tolerate some moonlight and light pollution. Short subs keep the brightest stars from clipping. 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 9's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- M 19 8.6° away
- M 23 9.0° away
- M 20 Trifid Nebula 11.1° away
- M 21 11.3° away
- M 8 Lagoon Nebula 11.9° away
- M 62 12.3° away
Gear that suits M 9
M 9 is 6.9′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 26% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 26% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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