When to photograph NGC 2362
NGC 2362 is an open cluster in Canis Major, 7′ across at magnitude 4.1. Also listed as C 64.
When to photograph it
From 45° N it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 20° 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 80° at its highest.
Framing
Its long axis is 7′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 2610 to 5960 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 4010 to 9170 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 2362's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- M 93 6.0° away
- M 41 8.6° away
- NGC 2360 Caroline's Cluster 9.3° away
- M 47 11.3° away
- M 46 11.5° away
- NGC 2359 Thor's Helmet 11.7° away
Gear that suits NGC 2362
NGC 2362 is 7.2′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 27% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 27% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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