When to photograph NGC 6946 (Fireworks Galaxy)
NGC 6946, the Fireworks Galaxy, is a galaxy in Cygnus, 11′ x 11′ across at magnitude 9.1. Also listed as C 12.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are September and October, with up to 8.0 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in September. It reaches 75° at its highest. It never sets from this latitude, so some imaging is possible all year.
From 35° S it never rises.
Framing
Its long axis is 11′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 1650 to 3760 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 2530 to 5790 mm.
Filters and the moon
Galaxies are broadband targets. Filters cannot separate their light from light pollution, so dark skies and moon-free nights matter most. 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 6946's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- NGC 7023 Iris Nebula 8.5° away
- IC 1396 Elephant's Trunk Nebula 8.7° away
- NGC 7129 9.7° away
- NGC 6826 Blinking Planetary 11.9° away
- M 39 14.3° away
- IC 5070 Pelican Nebula 15.9° away
Gear that suits NGC 6946
NGC 6946 is 11′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 43% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 43% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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