When to photograph NGC 4449
NGC 4449 is a galaxy in Canes Venatici, 5′ x 3′ across at magnitude 9.6. Also listed as C 21.
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 89° at its highest.
From 35° S it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 11° 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 5′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 3990 to 9130 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 6140 to 14040 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 4449'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 4449
NGC 4449 is only 4.7′ 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 18% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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