When to photograph NGC 6087 (S Nor Cluster)
NGC 6087, the S Nor Cluster, is an open cluster in Norma, 10′ across at magnitude 5.4. Also listed as C 89.
When to photograph it
From 45° N it never rises.
From 35° S the best months are May and June, with up to 10.5 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in May. It reaches 67° at its highest. It never sets from this latitude, so some imaging is possible all year.
Framing
Its long axis is 10′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 1840 to 4210 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 2830 to 6470 mm.
Filters and the moon
Clusters are broadband targets, but bright ones tolerate some moonlight and light pollution. Short subs keep the brightest stars from clipping. 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 6087'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 6087
NGC 6087 is 10′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 39% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 39% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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