When to photograph NGC 4038 (Antennae Galaxies)
NGC 4038, the Antennae Galaxies, is a galaxy in Corvus, 5′ x 4′ across at magnitude 10.2. Also listed as C 60.
When to photograph it
From 45° N it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 26° 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 March and April, with up to 8.5 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in March. It reaches 74° at its highest.
Framing
Its long axis is 5′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 3480 to 7950 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 5350 to 12220 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 4038's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- NGC 4039 Antennae Galaxies 0.0° away
- M 104 Sombrero Galaxy 11.7° away
- M 68 11.7° away
- NGC 4697 17.3° away
- NGC 3242 Jupiter's Ghost Nebula 23.0° away
- NGC 3521 Bubble Galaxy 23.3° away
Gear that suits NGC 4038
NGC 4038 is only 5.4′ 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 20% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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