When to photograph NGC 3628 (Hamburger Galaxy)

NGC 3628, the Hamburger Galaxy, is a galaxy in Leo, 11′ x 3′ across at magnitude 9.5.

When to photograph it

From 45° N the best months are February and March, with up to 8.2 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in March. It reaches 59° at its highest.

From 35° S the best months are February to April, with up to 4.8 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in February. It reaches 41° at its highest.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec8h0
From 45° NFrom 35° SDark hours above 30°, on the 15th of each month

Framing

Its long axis is 11′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 1710 to 3900 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 2630 to 6000 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 3628'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 3628

NGC 3628 is 11′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.

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