When to photograph NGC 2683 (UFO Galaxy)
NGC 2683, the UFO Galaxy, is a galaxy in Lynx, 10′ x 3′ across at magnitude 9.7.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are January and February, with up to 9.8 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in January. It reaches 78° at its highest.
From 35° S it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 22° 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
Its long axis is 10′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 1980 to 4520 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 3040 to 6950 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 2683's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- M 44 Beehive Cluster 14.0° away
- NGC 2419 16.0° away
- NGC 2841 18.4° away
- M 67 21.6° away
- NGC 2392 Eskimo Nebula 22.3° away
- NGC 3344 25.5° away
Gear that suits NGC 2683
NGC 2683 is 9.5′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 36% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 36% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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