When to photograph NGC 2261 (Hubble's Variable Nebula)
NGC 2261, the Hubble's Variable Nebula, is a reflection nebula in Monoceros, 2′ x 1′ across at magnitude 11.9. Also listed as C 46.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are November to January, with up to 7.3 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in January. It reaches 54° at its highest.
From 35° S the best months are December and January, with up to 4.8 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in January. It reaches 46° at its highest.
Framing
At 2′ x 1′ it is small. Even 4000 mm of focal length leaves it filling less than a third of an APS-C frame, so it suits long focal lengths, small pixels and good seeing.
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 2261's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- NGC 2264 Cone Nebula and Christmas Tree Cluster 1.2° away
- NGC 2239 4.2° away
- NGC 2238 Rosette Nebula 4.3° away
- NGC 2174 Monkey Head Nebula 13.9° away
- IC 443 Jellyfish Nebula 14.8° away
- M 78 15.7° away
Gear that suits NGC 2261
NGC 2261 is only 2.0′ across, so it stays small in any amateur telescope. The longest focal length gives it the most pixels.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 8% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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