When to photograph NGC 2419
NGC 2419 is a globular cluster in Lynx, 5′ across at magnitude 10.1. Also listed as C 25.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are December and January, with up to 11.0 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in January. It reaches 84° at its highest.
From 35° S it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 16° when it crosses the meridian, low enough that haze and light pollution soften it. It is possible with a clear northern horizon, but hard.
Framing
At 5′ 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
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 2419's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- NGC 2683 UFO Galaxy 16.0° away
- NGC 2392 Eskimo Nebula 18.1° away
- NGC 2841 21.8° away
- M 37 22.3° away
- M 44 Beehive Cluster 23.4° away
- M 35 23.8° away
Gear that suits NGC 2419
NGC 2419 is only 4.5′ 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 17% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
Retailer links are affiliate links. If you buy through one, the site may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details