When to photograph NGC 7023 (Iris Nebula)
NGC 7023, the Iris Nebula, is a nebula in Cepheus, 18′ across at magnitude 7.2. Also listed as C 4.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are September to November, with up to 9.0 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in October. It reaches 67° 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 18′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 1040 to 2380 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 1600 to 3670 mm.
Filters and the moon
Reflection and dark nebulae are broadband targets. They need dark, moon-free nights and plenty of integration time. 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 7023's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- NGC 7129 4.5° away
- NGC 6946 Fireworks Galaxy 8.5° away
- IC 1396 Elephant's Trunk Nebula 11.5° away
- C 9 Cave Nebula 13.2° away
- NGC 7380 Wizard Nebula 15.4° away
- NGC 7635 Bubble Nebula 16.1° away
Gear that suits NGC 7023
NGC 7023 is 18′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 68% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 68% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED 840 mm f/7: fills 28% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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