🔭 July Imaging Plan — Switzerland (46°N)

Optimized for your 400 mm, 700 mm, 1000 mm, 2000 mm rigs

🌄 400 mm f/5 — Widefield Nebula Hunter

APS‑C FOV ≈ 3.2° × 2.1°

🎯 Best July Target: Lagoon + Trifid Nebula (M8 + M20)

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Why this target fits 400 mm

Both nebulae sit only 1.5° apart, and your APS‑C sensor frames them beautifully in one shot.

Filters

• Narrowband: Hα + OIII (duo‑band) — best for Swiss light pollution

• Color: Great for star color, but Lagoon core will blow out quickly

Exposure Strategy

• Gain: moderate (depends on camera), aim for 1/3 histogram

• Sub length: 180–240 s narrowband, 60–120 s color

• Total integration: 6–10 hours for a clean, deep result

Expected Result

A dramatic two‑nebula composition with glowing hydrogen clouds and rich star fields.

🌌 700 mm f/7 — Medium‑Field Nebula Specialist

APS‑C FOV ≈ 1.8° × 1.2°

🎯 Best July Target: Eagle Nebula (M16)

Why this target fits 700 mm

At this focal length, the Pillars of Creation are visible but still embedded in the full nebula — the perfect balance.

Filters

• Narrowband: Hα + OIII (duo‑band)

• Color: Works, but narrowband reveals the pillars far better

Exposure Strategy

• Sub length: 240–300 s narrowband

• Total integration: 8–12 hours for crisp pillar detail

Expected Result

A full‑nebula composition with visible structure in the pillars and the surrounding shock fronts.

🌠 1000 mm f/4 — Detail Nebula & Cluster Scope

APS‑C FOV ≈ 1.2° × 0.8°

🎯 Best July Target: Omega Nebula (M17)

Why this target fits 1000 mm

M17 fills the frame perfectly at 1000 mm, giving you rich detail in the bright core and the curved “swan” structure.

Filters

• Narrowband: Hα + OIII

• Color: Good for star color, but narrowband gives the best structure

Exposure Strategy

• Sub length: 180–240 s narrowband (fast f/4 helps!)

• Total integration: 6–8 hours

Expected Result

A high‑contrast, detailed Swan Nebula with crisp filaments and glowing gas arcs.

🌑 2000 mm f/10 — High‑Detail Galaxy & Planetary Nebula Scope

APS‑C FOV ≈ 0.6° × 0.4°

🎯 Best July Target: Planetary Nebula NGC 6818 (Little Gem)

Why this target fits 2000 mm

July is not great for galaxies, but planetary nebulae are perfect for long focal lengths. NGC 6818 is small, bright, and high in the sky from Switzerland.

Filters

• Narrowband: Hα + OIII — essential

• Color: Optional for star color

Exposure Strategy

• Sub length: 300–600 s narrowband

• Total integration: 8–12 hours (planetaries love long integration)

Expected Result

A crisp, high‑resolution planetary nebula with visible internal structure and color gradients.

⭐ Your July Master Plan (Summary)