🔭 December Imaging Plan — Switzerland (46°N)

Optimized for your 400 mm, 700 mm, 1000 mm, 2000 mm rigs (APS‑C, color + narrowband)

🌄 400 mm f/5 — Orion Widefield & Barnard’s Loop

APS‑C FOV ≈ 3.2° × 2.1°

🎯 Best December Target: Orion Widefield (M42 + Running Man + NGC 1977 + NGC 2024 + Horsehead region)

Why this target fits 400 mm December is the perfect month for a multi‑nebula Orion panorama. At 400 mm you capture the entire complex in one breathtaking frame.

Filters

• Narrowband: Duo‑band Hα/OIII for the full complex

• Color: Excellent for star color and M42’s core

Exposure strategy

• 180–240 s NB

• 60–120 s RGB

• 8–12 h total integration

Expected result A rich, colorful Orion mosaic with glowing emission regions and dramatic dust lanes.

Secondary December target: Barnard’s Loop (widefield Hα)

🌌 700 mm f/7 — M42 + Running Man + Flame

APS‑C FOV ≈ 1.8° × 1.2°

🎯 Best December Target: Orion Nebula (M42) + Running Man (NGC 1977)

Why this target fits 700 mm You capture the full Orion Nebula with excellent detail while keeping the Running Man in frame.

Filters

• Color: Best for M42’s core

• Narrowband: Hα/OIII for outer regions

Exposure strategy

• 240–300 s NB

• 60–120 s RGB

• 10–12 h total integration

• HDR blending recommended for the bright core

Expected result A dramatic, high‑contrast Orion Nebula with visible core structure and colorful reflection nebulae.

Secondary December target: Flame Nebula (NGC 2024)

🌠 1000 mm f/4 — M78 & Flame/Horsehead Region

APS‑C FOV ≈ 1.2° × 0.8°

🎯 Best December Target: M78 Reflection Nebula

Why this target fits 1000 mm M78 is a compact reflection nebula that shines at medium‑high focal lengths. At 1000 mm you resolve its dusty structure beautifully.

Filters

• Color: Best for reflection nebulae

• Narrowband: Optional for surrounding Hα

Exposure strategy

• 180–240 s RGB

• 8–12 h total integration

Expected result A soft, dusty reflection nebula with blue tones and intricate dark lanes.

Secondary December target: Flame + Horsehead (tight framing)

🌑 2000 mm f/10 — Horsehead Close‑up & Flame Core

APS‑C FOV ≈ 0.6° × 0.4°

🎯 Best December Target: Horsehead Nebula (Barnard 33) — Close‑up

Why this target fits 2000 mm The Horsehead is small — at 2000 mm you can resolve the dark pillar, the glowing Hα background, and the fine dust structure.

Filters

• Narrowband: Hα/OIII mandatory

• Color: Optional for star color

Exposure strategy

• 300–600 s NB

• 10–15 h total integration

Expected result A high‑resolution Horsehead with crisp edges and dramatic contrast.

Secondary December target: Flame Nebula core (NGC 2024)

⭐ Your December Master Plan (Summary)