When to photograph NGC 2506
NGC 2506 is an open cluster in Monoceros, 11′ across at magnitude 7.6. Also listed as C 54.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are December to February, with up to 3.3 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in January. It reaches 34° at its highest.
From 35° S the best months are January and February, with up to 6.3 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in January. It reaches 66° at its highest.
Framing
Its long axis is 11′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 1740 to 3970 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 2670 to 6110 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 2506's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- M 46 6.0° away
- M 48 6.1° away
- M 47 6.8° away
- NGC 2359 Thor's Helmet 10.4° away
- NGC 2360 Caroline's Cluster 11.4° away
- M 93 13.6° away
Gear that suits NGC 2506
NGC 2506 is 11′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 41% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 41% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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