When to photograph NGC 3626
NGC 3626 is a galaxy in Leo, 3′ x 2′ across at magnitude 11. Also listed as C 40.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are February and March, with up to 8.5 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in March. It reaches 63° at its highest.
From 35° S the best months are February to May, with up to 3.8 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in February. It reaches 37° at its highest.
Framing
At 3′ x 2′ it is small. Even 4000 mm of focal length leaves it filling less than a third of an APS-C frame, so it suits long focal lengths, small pixels and good seeing.
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 3626'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 3626
NGC 3626 is only 2.9′ across, so it stays small in any amateur telescope. The longest focal length gives it the most pixels.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 11% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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