When to photograph NGC 253 (Sculptor Galaxy)
NGC 253, the Sculptor Galaxy, is a galaxy in Sculptor, 27′ x 5′ across at magnitude 11.1. Also listed as C 65.
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 August to October, with up to 8.2 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in September. It reaches 80° at its highest.
Framing
Its long axis is 27′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 700 to 1600 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 1080 to 2460 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 253'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 253
NGC 253 is 27′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED 840 mm f/7: fills 42% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher Quattro 200P 800 mm f/4: fills 40% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher 130PDS 650 mm f/5: fills 32% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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