When to photograph NGC 4945
NGC 4945 is a galaxy in Centaurus, 23′ x 4′ across at magnitude 11.9. Also listed as C 83.
When to photograph it
From 45° N it never rises.
From 35° S the best months are March to May, with up to 10.0 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in April. It reaches 76° at its highest.
Framing
Its long axis is 23′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 810 to 1840 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 1240 to 2830 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 4945's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- NGC 5139 Omega Centauri 4.1° away
- NGC 5286 6.8° away
- NGC 5128 Centaurus A 7.3° away
- NGC 4755 Herschel's Jewel Box 11.0° away
- NGC 4609 Coalsack Cluster 13.9° away
- C 99 Coalsack Nebula 15.0° away
Gear that suits NGC 4945
NGC 4945 is 23′ 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 36% 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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