When to photograph NGC 6882
NGC 6882 is an open cluster in Vulpecula, 8′ across at magnitude 14.1. Also listed as C 37.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are August and September, with up to 6.2 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in August. It reaches 71° at its highest.
From 35° S it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 29° when it crosses the meridian, low enough that haze and light pollution soften it. It is possible with a clear northern horizon, but hard.
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 6882's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- M 27 Dumbbell Nebula 4.7° away
- NGC 6820 7.5° away
- NGC 6960 Western Veil (Witch's Broom) 8.5° away
- M 71 8.8° away
- NGC 6995 Eastern Veil (Bat Nebula) 11.0° away
- NGC 6992 Eastern Veil 11.0° away
Gear that suits NGC 6882
NGC 6882 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
Retailer links are affiliate links. If you buy through one, the site may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details