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Sculptor Galaxy (NGC 253)
spiral galaxy in Sculptor
The Sculptor Galaxy is a large, bright starburst spiral in Sculptor, viewed nearly edge-on. It is one of the brightest galaxies outside the Local Group, and its mottled disc is full of dust and star formation.
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// Key facts
- Catalog
- NGC 253
- Type
- spiral galaxy
- Constellation
- Sculptor
- Size
- 27′ across
- Brightness
- Magnitude 7.1
- Distance
- about 11 million light-years
- Peak month (any location)
- Oct
- Typical prime months
- Jul to Dec
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Filter
- No filter (broadband); a light-pollution filter is optional
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How to image Sculptor Galaxy
- It is southern (dec -25), so it is low from the northern United States. Southern sites see it much better.
- At 27 arcminutes, 600 to 1,000 mm frames it well.
- Autumn evenings are best.
Framing: what focal length?
The focal length at which NGC 253 spans about 60% of the long side of the sensor, leaving room around it. Treat it as a starting point; the right framing is a matter of taste.
| Sensor | Focal length |
|---|---|
| 1-inch sensor (13.2 mm) | about 1010 mm |
| APS-C (23.5 mm) | about 1800 mm |
| Full frame (36 mm) | about 2750 mm |
How high does it climb from your latitude?
The highest point NGC 253 reaches in the sky. Above about 60° is excellent, 30° to 60° is workable, and under 30° you are looking through a lot of air.
| Latitude | Highest point | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 55°N (Scotland, Alaska) | 10° | Stays low |
| 45°N (Minneapolis, Milan) | 20° | Stays low |
| 35°N (Los Angeles, Tokyo) | 30° | Workable |
| 25°N (Miami, Cairo) | 40° | Workable |
| 35°S (Sydney, Santiago) | 80° | High in the sky |
Also worth imaging
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