When to photograph NGC 2360 (Caroline's Cluster)
NGC 2360, the Caroline's Cluster, is an open cluster in Canis Major, 9′ across at magnitude 7.2. Also listed as C 58.
When to photograph it
From 45° N it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 29° when it crosses the meridian, low enough that haze and light pollution soften it. It is possible with a clear southern horizon, but hard.
From 35° S the best months are December to February, with up to 6.3 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in January. It reaches 71° at its highest.
Framing
Its long axis is 9′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 2090 to 4770 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 3210 to 7330 mm.
Filters and the moon
Clusters are broadband targets, but bright ones tolerate some moonlight and light pollution. Short subs keep the brightest stars from clipping. 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 2360's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- NGC 2359 Thor's Helmet 2.4° away
- M 47 4.7° away
- M 46 5.9° away
- IC 2177 Seagull Nebula 6.1° away
- M 50 8.2° away
- M 41 9.1° away
Gear that suits NGC 2360
NGC 2360 is 9.0′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 34% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 34% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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