When to photograph NGC 4565 (Needle Galaxy)
NGC 4565, the Needle Galaxy, is a galaxy in Coma Berenices, 17′ x 3′ across at magnitude 10.9. Also listed as C 38.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are February to April, with up to 8.3 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in March. It reaches 71° at its highest.
From 35° S it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 29° 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 17′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 1120 to 2550 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 1720 to 3930 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 4565's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- NGC 4559 2.0° away
- NGC 4725 3.2° away
- NGC 4889 5.7° away
- M 64 Black Eye Galaxy 6.3° away
- NGC 4656 Hockey Stick Galaxy 6.4° away
- NGC 4631 Whale Galaxy 6.7° away
Gear that suits NGC 4565
NGC 4565 is 17′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 64% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 64% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED 840 mm f/7: fills 26% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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