THE ASTRO MANUAL
Menu
Plan tonight

When to photograph NGC 1491

NGC 1491 is an emission nebula in Perseus, 9′ x 6′ across.

When to photograph it

From 45° N the best months are November and December, with up to 11.0 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in November. It reaches 84° 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 4° when it crosses the meridian, low enough that haze and light pollution soften it. It is possible with a clear northern horizon, but hard.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec11h0
From 45° NFrom 35° SDark hours above 30°, on the 15th of each month

Framing

Its long axis is 9′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 2090 to 4770 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 3210 to 7330 mm.

Filters and the moon

It glows in H-alpha, and often OIII, so a dual-band filter on a color camera or narrowband filters on a mono camera cut light pollution and keep it workable with the moon up. 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 1491'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 NGC 1491

NGC 1491 is 9.0′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop. It shines in H-alpha and OIII, so a dual-band filter on a color camera cuts through light pollution and moonlight.

Retailer links are affiliate links. If you buy through one, the site may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details