When to photograph NGC 6124
NGC 6124 is an open cluster in Scorpius, 14′ across at magnitude 5.8. Also listed as C 75.
When to photograph it
From 45° N it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 4° 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 May and June, with up to 9.7 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in May. It reaches 84° at its highest.
Framing
Its long axis is 14′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 1390 to 3180 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 2140 to 4890 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 6124's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- NGC 6231 5.5° away
- NGC 6188 Fighting Dragons of Ara 8.4° away
- NGC 6193 8.6° away
- NGC 6302 Bug Nebula 10.1° away
- NGC 6334 Cat's Paw Nebula 11.8° away
- M 62 12.8° away
Gear that suits NGC 6124
NGC 6124 is 14′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 51% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 51% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
Retailer links are affiliate links. If you buy through one, the site may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details