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When to photograph NGC 6334 (Cat's Paw Nebula)

NGC 6334, the Cat's Paw Nebula, is a supernova remnant in Scorpius, 8′ across.

When to photograph it

From 45° N it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 9° 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 to July, with up to 10.2 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in June. It reaches 89° at its highest.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec10h0
From 45° NFrom 35° SDark hours above 30°, on the 15th of each month

Framing

Its long axis is 8′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 2230 to 5110 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 3440 to 7860 mm.

Filters and the moon

It glows in H-alpha, and often OIII, so a dual-band filter on a color camera or narrowband filters on a mono camera cut light pollution and keep it workable with the moon up. 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 6334'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 6334

NGC 6334 is 8.4′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop. It shines in H-alpha and OIII, so a dual-band filter on a color camera cuts through light pollution and moonlight.

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