When to photograph NGC 300
NGC 300 is a galaxy in Sculptor, 19′ x 13′ across at magnitude 8.7. Also listed as C 70.
When to photograph it
From 45° N it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 7° 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 8.5 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in September. It reaches 87° at its highest.
Framing
Its long axis is 19′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 970 to 2210 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 1490 to 3400 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 300's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- NGC 55 8.0° away
- NGC 253 Sculptor Galaxy 12.5° away
- NGC 247 17.0° away
- NGC 1097 24.2° away
- NGC 246 Skull Nebula 25.9° away
- NGC 1261 29.0° away
Gear that suits NGC 300
NGC 300 is 19′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 74% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 74% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED 840 mm f/7: fills 30% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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