When to photograph NGC 6541
NGC 6541 is a globular cluster in Corona Australis, 8′ across at magnitude 7.3. Also listed as C 78.
When to photograph it
From 45° N it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 1° 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 June and July, with up to 10.5 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in June. It reaches 81° at its highest.
Framing
Its long axis is 8′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 2500 to 5720 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 3850 to 8800 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 6541's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- NGC 6352 8.7° away
- M 7 Ptolemy's Cluster 9.3° away
- NGC 6397 10.9° away
- NGC 6334 Cat's Paw Nebula 11.8° away
- NGC 6302 Bug Nebula 12.2° away
- M 69 12.3° away
Gear that suits NGC 6541
NGC 6541 is 7.5′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 28% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 28% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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