When to photograph NGC 2238 (Rosette Nebula)
NGC 2238, the Rosette Nebula, is an emission nebula in Monoceros, 80′ x 60′ across at magnitude 6. Also listed as C 49.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are November to January, with up to 6.8 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in January. It reaches 50° at its highest.
From 35° S the best months are December and January, with up to 5.2 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in December. It reaches 50° at its highest.
Framing
Its long axis is 80′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 230 to 540 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 360 to 830 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 2238's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- NGC 2239 0.3° away
- NGC 2261 Hubble's Variable Nebula 4.3° away
- NGC 2264 Cone Nebula and Christmas Tree Cluster 5.5° away
- M 78 12.0° away
- NGC 2170 12.8° away
- NGC 2024 Flame Nebula 14.0° away
Gear that suits NGC 2238
NGC 2238 is 80′ 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.
- William Optics RedCat 61 300 mm f/4.9: fills 45% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Askar FRA400 400 mm f/5.6: fills 60% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher Esprit 80ED 400 mm f/5: fills 60% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Optolong L-Ultimate 3 nm 3 nm dual-band, Ha, OIII, for color cameras View at High Point Scientific
- Antlia ALP-T 5 nm 5 nm dual-band, Ha, OIII, for color cameras View at High Point Scientific
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