When to photograph NGC 55
NGC 55 is a galaxy in Sculptor, 30′ x 3′ across at magnitude 8.5. Also listed as C 72.
When to photograph it
From 45° N it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 6° when it crosses the meridian, low enough that haze and light pollution soften it. It is possible with a clear southern horizon, but hard.
From 35° S the best months are August to October, with up to 9.2 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in September. It reaches 86° at its highest.
Framing
Its long axis is 30′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 630 to 1430 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 970 to 2210 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 55's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- NGC 300 8.0° away
- NGC 253 Sculptor Galaxy 15.5° away
- NGC 247 19.7° away
- NGC 246 Skull Nebula 28.2° away
- NGC 7293 Helix Nebula 29.1° away
- NGC 1097 32.1° away
Gear that suits NGC 55
NGC 55 is 30′ 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 47% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher Quattro 200P 800 mm f/4: fills 45% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher 130PDS 650 mm f/5: fills 36% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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