When to photograph NGC 3201
NGC 3201 is a globular cluster in Vela, 10′ across at magnitude 8.2. Also listed as C 79.
When to photograph it
From 45° N it never rises.
From 35° S the best months are February to April, with up to 8.5 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in March. It reaches 79° at its highest.
Framing
Its long axis is 10′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 1960 to 4470 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 3010 to 6880 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 3201's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- NGC 3132 Eight-Burst Nebula 6.3° away
- NGC 3372 Carina Nebula 14.1° away
- NGC 3532 Wishing Well Cluster 14.3° away
- NGC 2867 14.6° away
- NGC 3576 Statue of Liberty Nebula 16.9° away
- IC 2391 Omicron Velorum Cluster 16.9° away
Gear that suits NGC 3201
NGC 3201 is 9.6′ 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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