When to photograph NGC 4236
NGC 4236 is a galaxy in Draco, 24′ x 7′ across at magnitude 9.8. Also listed as C 3.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are January to March, with up to 10.3 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in February. It reaches 66° at its highest. It never sets from this latitude, so some imaging is possible all year.
From 35° S it never rises.
Framing
Its long axis is 24′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 800 to 1830 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 1230 to 2810 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 4236's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- IC 2574 Coddington's Nebula 9.7° away
- M 40 Winnecke 4 11.4° away
- M 82 Cigar Galaxy 12.1° away
- M 81 Bode's Galaxy 12.3° away
- M 108 15.6° away
- M 97 Owl Nebula 16.0° away
Gear that suits NGC 4236
NGC 4236 is 24′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED 840 mm f/7: fills 37% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher Quattro 200P 800 mm f/4: fills 35% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher 130PDS 650 mm f/5: fills 28% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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