When to photograph NGC 1499 (California Nebula)
NGC 1499, the California Nebula, is a nebula in Perseus, 160′ x 40′ across at magnitude 5.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are November and December, with up to 10.3 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in November. It reaches 81° at its highest.
From 35° S it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 19° 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 160′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 120 to 270 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 180 to 410 mm.
Filters and the moon
Reflection and dark nebulae are broadband targets. They need dark, moon-free nights and plenty of integration time. 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 1499's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- NGC 1579 Northern Trifid Nebula 5.6° away
- NGC 1333 Embryo Nebula 8.7° away
- NGC 1275 Perseus A 9.9° away
- M 45 Pleiades 12.7° away
- NGC 1491 14.9° away
- IC 405 Flaming Star Nebula 15.0° away
Gear that suits NGC 1499
NGC 1499 is 160′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Samyang 135mm f/2 135 mm f/2: fills 40% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- William Optics RedCat 51 250 mm f/4.9: fills 75% 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