When to photograph M 92
M 92 is a globular cluster in Hercules, 14′ across at magnitude 6.5. Also listed as NGC 6341.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are March to May, with up to 5.7 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in April. It reaches 88° at its highest.
From 35° S it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 12° when it crosses the meridian, low enough that haze and light pollution soften it. It is possible with a clear northern horizon, but hard.
Framing
Its long axis is 14′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 1300 to 2980 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 2010 to 4580 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 92's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- M 13 Hercules Cluster 9.5° away
- M 57 Ring Nebula 21.4° away
- NGC 5907 Splinter Galaxy 23.3° away
- NGC 6543 Cat's Eye Nebula 24.2° away
- M 102 Spindle Galaxy 24.4° away
- NGC 6826 Blinking Planetary 26.0° away
Gear that suits M 92
M 92 is 14′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 55% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 55% 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