When to photograph NGC 891
NGC 891 is a galaxy in Andromeda, 13′ x 3′ across at magnitude 10. Also listed as C 23.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are October to December, with up to 10.3 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in November. It reaches 87° at its highest.
From 35° S it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 13° 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 13′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 1440 to 3300 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 2220 to 5080 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 891's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- M 34 3.6° away
- NGC 752 6.6° away
- NGC 925 8.8° away
- NGC 1275 Perseus A 10.7° away
- M 76 Barbell Nebula 11.5° away
- C 14 Double Cluster 14.8° away
Gear that suits NGC 891
NGC 891 is 13′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 49% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 49% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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