When to photograph NGC 147
NGC 147 is a galaxy in Cassiopeia, 9′ x 5′ across at magnitude 9.7. Also listed as C 17.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are September to November, with up to 9.8 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in October. It reaches 86° at its highest. It never sets from this latitude, so some imaging is possible all year.
From 35° S it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 6° 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 9′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 2000 to 4560 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 3070 to 7020 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 NGC 147's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- NGC 185 1.0° away
- M 110 6.9° away
- M 31 Andromeda Galaxy 7.4° away
- M 32 7.8° away
- NGC 281 Pacman Nebula 8.6° away
- M 76 Barbell Nebula 11.5° away
Gear that suits NGC 147
NGC 147 is 9.4′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 36% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 36% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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