When to photograph NGC 2174 (Monkey Head Nebula)
NGC 2174, the Monkey Head Nebula, is a nebula in Orion, 40′ x 30′ across.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are November to January, with up to 9.0 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in December. It reaches 66° at its highest.
From 35° S the best months are December and January, with up to 3.2 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in December. It reaches 34° at its highest.
Framing
Its long axis is 40′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 470 to 1070 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 720 to 1650 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 2174's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- IC 443 Jellyfish Nebula 2.5° away
- M 35 3.7° away
- M 1 Crab Nebula 8.2° away
- M 37 12.5° away
- NGC 2264 Cone Nebula and Christmas Tree Cluster 13.2° away
- NGC 2261 Hubble's Variable Nebula 13.9° away
Gear that suits NGC 2174
NGC 2174 is 40′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Sky-Watcher 130PDS 650 mm f/5: fills 48% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Askar FRA600 600 mm f/5.6: fills 45% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher Quattro 200P 800 mm f/4: fills 60% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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