When to photograph NGC 2403
NGC 2403 is a galaxy in Camelopardalis, 20′ x 10′ across at magnitude 8.4. Also listed as C 7.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are December to February, with up to 11.7 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in December. It reaches 69° at its highest. It never sets from this latitude, so some imaging is possible all year.
From 35° S it never rises.
Framing
Its long axis is 20′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 940 to 2150 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 1440 to 3300 mm.
Filters and the moon
Galaxies are broadband targets. Filters cannot separate their light from light pollution, so dark skies and moon-free nights matter most. 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 2403's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- M 81 Bode's Galaxy 13.6° away
- M 82 Cigar Galaxy 13.6° away
- IC 2574 Coddington's Nebula 16.6° away
- NGC 2841 19.8° away
- IC 342 Hidden Galaxy 21.9° away
- NGC 4236 25.5° away
Gear that suits NGC 2403
NGC 2403 is 20′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 76% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 76% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED 840 mm f/7: fills 31% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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