When to photograph NGC 3115 (Spindle Galaxy)
NGC 3115, the Spindle Galaxy, is a galaxy in Sextans, 7′ x 3′ across at magnitude 9.1. Also listed as C 53.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are January to March, with up to 4.3 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in February. It reaches 37° at its highest.
From 35° S the best months are February and March, with up to 7.5 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in February. It reaches 63° at its highest.
Framing
Its long axis is 7′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 2640 to 6040 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 4070 to 9300 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 3115's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- NGC 3242 Jupiter's Ghost Nebula 11.9° away
- NGC 3521 Bubble Galaxy 16.9° away
- NGC 2775 20.1° away
- M 95 21.7° away
- M 96 22.1° away
- M 105 22.9° away
Gear that suits NGC 3115
NGC 3115 is 7.1′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 27% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 27% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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