When to photograph NGC 4244
NGC 4244 is a galaxy in Canes Venatici, 16′ x 7′ across at magnitude 10.2. Also listed as C 26.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are February and March, with up to 8.8 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in March. It reaches 83° at its highest.
From 35° S it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 17° when it crosses the meridian, low enough that haze and light pollution soften it. It is possible with a clear northern horizon, but hard.
Framing
Its long axis is 16′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 1160 to 2650 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 1780 to 4070 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 4244's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- NGC 4449 6.6° away
- M 94 7.2° away
- NGC 4631 Whale Galaxy 7.3° away
- NGC 4656 Hockey Stick Galaxy 7.8° away
- M 106 9.5° away
- NGC 4559 10.6° away
Gear that suits NGC 4244
NGC 4244 is 16′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 61% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 61% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED 840 mm f/7: fills 25% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
Retailer links are affiliate links. If you buy through one, the site may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details