When to photograph NGC 4697
NGC 4697 is a galaxy in Virgo, 7′ x 4′ across at magnitude 9.4. Also listed as C 52.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are February to April, with up to 4.8 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in March. It reaches 39° at its highest.
From 35° S the best months are March to May, with up to 7.7 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in April. It reaches 61° at its highest.
Framing
Its long axis is 7′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 2640 to 6040 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 4070 to 9300 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 4697's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- M 104 Sombrero Galaxy 6.2° away
- M 61 12.2° away
- M 49 14.6° away
- NGC 4038 Antennae Galaxies 17.3° away
- NGC 4039 Antennae Galaxies 17.3° away
- M 60 17.4° away
Gear that suits NGC 4697
NGC 4697 is 7.1′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 27% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 27% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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