When to photograph NGC 7331
NGC 7331 is a galaxy in Pegasus, 9′ x 4′ across at magnitude 9.4. Also listed as C 30.
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 79° at its highest.
From 35° S it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 21° 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 9′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 2020 to 4610 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 3110 to 7100 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 7331's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- NGC 7662 Blue Snowball Nebula 12.5° away
- IC 5146 Cocoon Nebula 15.2° away
- NGC 7243 16.0° away
- NGC 7497 17.7° away
- M 39 18.5° away
- NGC 6995 Eastern Veil (Bat Nebula) 21.2° away
Gear that suits NGC 7331
NGC 7331 is 9.3′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 35% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 35% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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