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When to photograph NGC 2392 (Eskimo Nebula)

NGC 2392, the Eskimo Nebula, is a planetary nebula in Gemini, 1′ across at magnitude 9.6. Also listed as C 39.

When to photograph it

From 45° N the best months are December to February, with up to 9.0 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in January. It reaches 66° at its highest.

From 35° S the best months are December to February, with up to 3.0 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in January. It reaches 34° at its highest.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9h0
From 45° NFrom 35° SDark hours above 30°, on the 15th of each month

Framing

At 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

Planetary nebulae are bright in OIII and H-alpha and small, so narrowband works and the moon matters less. Short subs help with the bright core. 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 2392's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.

Nearby targets

Gear that suits NGC 2392

NGC 2392 is only 0.9′ across, so it stays small in any amateur telescope. The longest focal length gives it the most pixels. It shines in H-alpha and OIII, so a dual-band filter on a color camera cuts through light pollution and moonlight.

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