When to photograph NGC 185
NGC 185 is a galaxy in Cassiopeia, 13′ x 11′ across at magnitude 9.2. Also listed as C 18.
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 87° 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 7° 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 13′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 1460 to 3330 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 2240 to 5120 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 185's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- NGC 147 1.0° away
- M 110 6.7° away
- M 31 Andromeda Galaxy 7.1° away
- M 32 7.5° away
- NGC 281 Pacman Nebula 8.6° away
- M 76 Barbell Nebula 10.7° away
Gear that suits NGC 185
NGC 185 is 13′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 49% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 49% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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