imaging plan

juillet 2 2026

06-June imaging plan

🔭 June 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 — Lagoon + Trifid & Milky Way Core

APS‑C FOV ≈ 3.2° × 2.1°

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

Why this target fits 400 mm The two nebulae sit only ~1.5° apart — 400 mm frames them perfectly in one dramatic composition.

Filters

Narrowband Hα/OIII (duo‑band)
RGB optional for star color

Exposure strategy

180–240 s NB
60–120 s RGB
6–10 h total integration

Expected result A stunning two‑nebula panorama with glowing hydrogen clouds and rich star fields.

Secondary June target: Milky Way core widefield (M8–M20–M21–M23 region)

🌌 700 mm f/7 — Eagle & Omega Nebulae

APS‑C FOV ≈ 1.8° × 1.2°

🎯 Best June Target: Eagle Nebula (M16)

Why this target fits 700 mm You capture the full nebula with enough resolution to show the Pillars of Creation clearly.

Filters

Narrowband Hα/OIII
RGB optional

Exposure strategy

240–300 s NB
8–12 h total integration

Expected result A detailed Eagle Nebula with visible pillars and surrounding shock fronts.

Secondary June target: Omega Nebula (M17)

🌠 1000 mm f/4 — Globular Clusters & Nebula Detail

APS‑C FOV ≈ 1.2° × 0.8°

🎯 Best June Target: Globular Cluster M13 (Hercules)

Why this target fits 1000 mm Globular clusters shine at medium‑high focal lengths — 1000 mm resolves individual stars beautifully.

Filters

RGB only
Narrowband not useful

Exposure strategy

60–120 s RGB
4–8 h total integration

Expected result A razor‑sharp globular cluster with thousands of resolved stars.

Secondary June target: Globular Cluster M5

🌑 2000 mm f/10 — Planetary Nebulae & Globular Cores

APS‑C FOV ≈ 0.6° × 0.4°

🎯 Best June Target: Planetary Nebula NGC 6309 (Box Nebula)

Why this target fits 2000 mm Small, bright planetary nebulae are perfect for long focal length — June has many in Ophiuchus and Serpens.

Filters

Narrowband Hα/OIII mandatory
RGB optional

Exposure strategy

300–600 s NB
10–15 h total integration

Expected result A crisp, high‑resolution planetary nebula with visible internal shells.

Secondary June target: Globular cluster cores (M13, M92)

⭐ Your June Master Plan (Summary)

Scope	Target	Reason
400 mm	Lagoon + Trifid	Perfect widefield duo
700 mm	Eagle Nebula	Ideal balance of field + detail
1000 mm	M13	Best globular cluster resolution
2000 mm	NGC 6309	Perfect for long focal length

juillet 2 2026

05-May imaging plan

Sébastien Haller imaging plan

🔭 May 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 — Widefield Virgo & Coma Galaxy Fields

APS‑C FOV ≈ 3.2° × 2.1°

🎯 Best May Target: Virgo + Coma Galaxy Fields (widefield)

Why this target fits 400 mm May is peak visibility for the Virgo Cluster. At 400 mm you capture dozens of galaxies in one frame — a true galaxy safari.

Filters

RGB only — galaxies don’t benefit from narrowband.

Exposure strategy

120–180 s RGB
6–10 h total integration

Expected result A rich galaxy field showing the large‑scale structure of the Virgo–Coma region.

Secondary May target: M63 (Sunflower Galaxy) widefield

🌌 700 mm f/7 — M63, M94, Whale & Hockey Stick

APS‑C FOV ≈ 1.8° × 1.2°

🎯 Best May Target: Sunflower Galaxy (M63)

Why this target fits 700 mm M63 fills the frame nicely at 700 mm, revealing its flocculent spiral structure.

Filters

RGB main
Optional Hα for faint emission regions

Exposure strategy

180–240 s RGB
8–12 h total integration

Expected result A detailed spiral galaxy with textured arms and a bright core.

Secondary May targets:

M94 (Croc’s Eye Galaxy)
Whale + Hockey Stick pair (NGC 4631 + NGC 4656)

🌠 1000 mm f/4 — Whale & Hockey Stick Close‑up

APS‑C FOV ≈ 1.2° × 0.8°

🎯 Best May Target: Whale Galaxy (NGC 4631)

Why this target fits 1000 mm The Whale Galaxy is large and detailed — 1000 mm resolves its dust lanes and warped structure beautifully.

Filters

RGB main
Optional Hα for faint emission

Exposure strategy

180–240 s RGB
8–12 h total integration

Expected result A crisp, high‑contrast edge‑on galaxy with visible warping and dust structure.

Secondary May target: Hockey Stick Galaxy (NGC 4656)

🌑 2000 mm f/10 — Compact Galaxies in Canes Venatici

APS‑C FOV ≈ 0.6° × 0.4°

🎯 Best May Target: Compact galaxies in Canes Venatici (NGC 4449, NGC 4244)

Why this target fits 2000 mm May offers many small, bright galaxies that benefit from long focal length to resolve internal structure.

Filters

RGB main
Optional Hα for star‑forming regions

Exposure strategy

300–600 s RGB
10–15 h total integration

Expected result High‑detail dwarf or edge‑on galaxies with visible star‑forming knots and dust lanes.

Secondary May target: Virgo compact galaxies (NGC 4216 companions)

⭐ Your May Master Plan (Summary)

Scope	Target	Reason
400 mm	Virgo + Coma fields	Best widefield galaxy region
700 mm	M63	Ideal flocculent spiral framing
1000 mm	Whale Galaxy	Excellent edge‑on detail
2000 mm	Compact CVn galaxies	Perfect for long focal length

juillet 2 2026

04-April imaging plan

Sébastien Haller imaging plan

🔭 April 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 — Widefield Galaxy Clusters

APS‑C FOV ≈ 3.2° × 2.1°

🎯 Best April Target: Markarian’s Chain (Virgo Cluster)

Why this target fits 400 mm Markarian’s Chain is enormous — at 400 mm you capture 10+ galaxies in one frame, including M86, M84, and “The Eyes.”

Filters

RGB only — galaxies don’t benefit from narrowband.

Exposure strategy

120–180 s RGB
6–10 h total integration

Expected result A rich galaxy field showing the structure of the Virgo Cluster.

Secondary April target: Sombrero Galaxy (M104) widefield

🌌 700 mm f/7 — M51 & M64

APS‑C FOV ≈ 1.8° × 1.2°

🎯 Best April Target: Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)

Why this target fits 700 mm M51 and its companion NGC 5195 fit perfectly in the frame, with enough resolution to show spiral arm structure.

Filters

RGB main
Optional Hα for faint emission regions

Exposure strategy

180–240 s RGB
8–12 h total integration

Expected result A crisp spiral galaxy with visible arm detail and interaction features.

Secondary April target: Black Eye Galaxy (M64)

🌠 1000 mm f/4 — Edge‑on Galaxies

APS‑C FOV ≈ 1.2° × 0.8°

🎯 Best April Target: Needle Galaxy (NGC 4565)

Why this target fits 1000 mm NGC 4565 is a long, thin edge‑on galaxy — 1000 mm gives perfect framing and excellent dust lane detail.

Filters

RGB main
Optional Hα for faint halo regions

Exposure strategy

180–240 s RGB
8–12 h total integration

Expected result A razor‑sharp edge‑on galaxy with a dark dust lane and bright core.

Secondary April target: Sombrero Galaxy (M104)

🌑 2000 mm f/10 — Compact Galaxies & Interacting Pairs

APS‑C FOV ≈ 0.6° × 0.4°

🎯 Best April Target: NGC 4216 (Virgo Cluster)

Why this target fits 2000 mm NGC 4216 is a bright, detailed edge‑on galaxy that benefits from long focal length to resolve dust lanes and halo structure.

Filters

RGB main
Optional Hα for faint emission

Exposure strategy

300–600 s RGB
10–15 h total integration

Expected result A high‑detail edge‑on galaxy with crisp dust lanes and extended halo.

Secondary April target: Interacting galaxy pairs in Virgo (NGC 4298/4302)

⭐ Your April Master Plan (Summary)

Scope	Target	Reason
400 mm	Markarian’s Chain	Best widefield galaxy cluster
700 mm	M51	Perfect framing + spiral detail
1000 mm	NGC 4565	Ideal edge‑on galaxy target
2000 mm	NGC 4216	High‑detail Virgo galaxy

juillet 2 2026

03-March imaging plan

Sébastien Haller imaging plan

🔭 March 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 — Widefield Galaxy Groups

APS‑C FOV ≈ 3.2° × 2.1°

🎯 Best March Target: Leo Triplet (M65, M66, NGC 3628)

Why this target fits 400 mm The three galaxies form a perfect widefield composition at 400 mm, with enough separation to show the group structure.

Filters

RGB only — galaxies don’t benefit from narrowband.

Exposure strategy

120–180 s RGB
6–10 h total integration

Expected result A clean, widefield galaxy trio with visible dust lanes and distinct shapes.

Secondary March target: M81 + M82 pair

🌌 700 mm f/7 — M81/M82 & M101

APS‑C FOV ≈ 1.8° × 1.2°

🎯 Best March Target: Bode’s Galaxy (M81) + Cigar Galaxy (M82)

Why this target fits 700 mm Both galaxies fit perfectly in the same frame at 700 mm, with excellent detail in M82’s starburst core.

Filters

RGB main
Optional Hα for M82’s outflows

Exposure strategy

180–240 s RGB
8–12 h total integration
Optional: 240–300 s Hα for M82 jets

Expected result A dramatic two‑galaxy composition with strong contrast and visible starburst filaments.

Secondary March target: Pinwheel Galaxy (M101)

🌠 1000 mm f/4 — Detailed Galaxies

APS‑C FOV ≈ 1.2° × 0.8°

🎯 Best March Target: NGC 2903

Why this target fits 1000 mm NGC 2903 is bright and medium‑sized — perfect for 1000 mm, giving excellent spiral arm detail.

Filters

RGB main
Optional Hα for faint emission regions

Exposure strategy

180–240 s RGB
8–12 h total integration

Expected result A crisp spiral galaxy with visible arm structure and a bright core.

Secondary March target: M82 close‑up

🌑 2000 mm f/10 — High‑Detail Galaxy Work

APS‑C FOV ≈ 0.6° × 0.4°

🎯 Best March Target: M82 — Starburst Galaxy (tight framing)

Why this target fits 2000 mm At long focal length you resolve the starburst filaments, dust lanes, and internal structure of M82.

Filters

RGB main
Hα extremely useful for starburst jets

Exposure strategy

300–600 s RGB
10–15 h total integration
Optional: 300–600 s Hα for blending

Expected result A high‑resolution view of M82’s explosive core and dramatic outflows.

Secondary March target: Small Leo galaxies (NGC 3593, NGC 3626)

⭐ Your March Master Plan (Summary)

Scope	Target	Reason
400 mm	Leo Triplet	Perfect widefield galaxy group
700 mm	M81 + M82	Ideal two‑galaxy framing
1000 mm	NGC 2903	Excellent spiral detail
2000 mm	M82 close‑up	High‑detail starburst structure

juillet 2 2026

02-February imaging plan

Sébastien Haller imaging plan

🔭 February 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 — California, Rosette, Cone Region

APS‑C FOV ≈ 3.2° × 2.1°

🎯 Best February Target: California Nebula (NGC 1499)

Why this target fits 400 mm California is huge — at 400 mm you frame the entire nebula with beautiful Hα structure.

Filters

Narrowband Hα/OIII (duo‑band)
RGB optional for star color

Exposure strategy

180–240 s NB
60–120 s RGB
8–12 h total integration

Expected result A long, glowing Hα ribbon with subtle internal texture.

Secondary February target: Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237)

🌌 700 mm f/7 — Cone / Christmas Tree & Monkey Head

APS‑C FOV ≈ 1.8° × 1.2°

🎯 Best February Target: Cone Nebula + Christmas Tree Cluster (NGC 2264)

Why this target fits 700 mm You capture the Cone pillar with excellent detail while keeping the surrounding cluster in frame.

Filters

Narrowband Hα/OIII
RGB optional

Exposure strategy

240–300 s NB
10–15 h total integration

Expected result A dramatic Hα pillar with rich star fields and dust structures.

Secondary February target: Monkey Head Nebula (NGC 2174)

🌠 1000 mm f/4 — Monkey Head Close‑up & Medusa

APS‑C FOV ≈ 1.2° × 0.8°

🎯 Best February Target: Monkey Head Nebula (NGC 2174) — Close‑up

Why this target fits 1000 mm At 1000 mm you resolve the internal Hα knots and dust structures beautifully.

Filters

Narrowband Hα/OIII
RGB optional

Exposure strategy

180–240 s NB
8–12 h total integration

Expected result A high‑contrast, detailed nebula with crisp emission structures.

Secondary February target: Medusa Nebula (Abell 21)

🌑 2000 mm f/10 — Small Planetaries in Gemini & Orion

APS‑C FOV ≈ 0.6° × 0.4°

🎯 Best February Target: Planetary Nebula NGC 2392 (Eskimo Nebula)

Why this target fits 2000 mm NGC 2392 is small and bright — perfect for long focal length and narrowband detail.

Filters

Narrowband Hα/OIII mandatory
RGB optional for star color

Exposure strategy

300–600 s NB
10–15 h total integration

Expected result A crisp planetary nebula with visible internal shells and fine structure.

Secondary February target: Small planetaries in Gemini (NGC 2371/2)

⭐ Your February Master Plan (Summary)

Scope	Target	Reason
400 mm	California Nebula	Perfect widefield Hα ribbon
700 mm	Cone + Christmas Tree	Ideal balance of field + detail
1000 mm	Monkey Head close‑up	Rich internal Hα structure
2000 mm	Eskimo Nebula	High‑detail planetary nebula

juillet 2 2026

01-January imaging plan

Sébastien Haller imaging plan

🔭 January 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 & Rosette

APS‑C FOV ≈ 3.2° × 2.1°

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

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

Filters

Narrowband Hα/OIII (duo‑band)
RGB for star color + M42 core HDR

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 January target: Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237)

🌌 700 mm f/7 — M42 + Running Man + Rosette Core

APS‑C FOV ≈ 1.8° × 1.2°

🎯 Best January 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

RGB 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 January target: Rosette Nebula core

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

APS‑C FOV ≈ 1.2° × 0.8°

🎯 Best January 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

RGB 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 January target: Flame + Horsehead (tight framing)

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

APS‑C FOV ≈ 0.6° × 0.4°

🎯 Best January 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
RGB 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 January target: Flame Nebula core (NGC 2024)

⭐ Your January Master Plan (Summary)

Scope	Target	Reason
400 mm	Orion widefield	Best widefield of the winter
700 mm	M42 + Running Man	Perfect balance of field + detail
1000 mm	M78	Ideal reflection nebula framing
2000 mm	Horsehead close‑up	High‑detail winter classic

juillet 2 2026

12-December imaging plan

Sébastien Haller imaging plan

🔭 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)

Scope	Target	Reason
400 mm	Orion widefield	Best widefield of the year
700 mm	M42 + Running Man	Perfect balance of field + detail
1000 mm	M78	Ideal reflection nebula framing
2000 mm	Horsehead close‑up	High‑detail winter classic

juillet 2 2026

11-November imaging plan

Sébastien Haller imaging plan

🔭 November 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 — Widefield Galaxies & Autumn Nebulae

APS‑C FOV ≈ 3.2° × 2.1°

🎯 Best November Target: Andromeda Galaxy (M31)

Why this target fits 400 mm M31 is enormous — 400 mm frames the entire galaxy plus M32 and M110 beautifully.

Filters

Color: Best for galaxies
Narrowband: Not useful for M31

Exposure strategy

120–180 s RGB
6–10 h total integration

Expected result A crisp, widefield Andromeda with detailed dust lanes and bright core.

Secondary November target: Cassiopeia widefield (IC 10, star fields)

🌌 700 mm f/7 — Triangulum & M74

APS‑C FOV ≈ 1.8° × 1.2°

🎯 Best November Target: Triangulum Galaxy (M33)

Why this target fits 700 mm M33 fills the frame nicely and reveals Hα regions at this focal length.

Filters

Color: Main
Narrowband Hα: Optional for emission regions

Exposure strategy

180–240 s RGB
8–12 h total integration
Optional: 240–300 s Hα for blending

Expected result A detailed M33 with visible spiral arms and pink Hα knots.

Secondary November target: M74 (The Phantom Galaxy)

🌠 1000 mm f/4 — Edge‑on Galaxies & Detailed Nebulae

APS‑C FOV ≈ 1.2° × 0.8°

🎯 Best November Target: NGC 1023 — Lenticular Galaxy

Why this target fits 1000 mm NGC 1023 is medium‑small and benefits from the extra resolution of 1000 mm.

Filters

RGB: Main
Hα: Optional for faint emission

Exposure strategy

180–240 s RGB
8–12 h total integration

Expected result A crisp lenticular galaxy with a bright core and extended halo.

Secondary November target: NGC 891 (still excellent)

🌑 2000 mm f/10 — Small Galaxies & Tight Nebulae

APS‑C FOV ≈ 0.6° × 0.4°

🎯 Best November Target: Small galaxies around Andromeda (NGC 147, NGC 185)

Why this target fits 2000 mm These dwarf galaxies are compact and require long focal length to resolve structure.

Filters

RGB: Main
Hα: Optional

Exposure strategy

300–600 s RGB
10–15 h total integration

Expected result High‑detail dwarf galaxies with visible gradients and star clusters.

Secondary November target: M33 close‑up regions

M33 Triangulum Galaxy With own Nebulae (H-Alpha-L_RGB ...

⭐ Your November Master Plan (Summary)

Scope	Target	Reason
400 mm	Andromeda	Perfect widefield galaxy
700 mm	Triangulum	Ideal scale + detail
1000 mm	NGC 1023	Great lenticular galaxy framing
2000 mm	NGC 147/185	Perfect for long focal length

juillet 2 2026

10-October imaging plan

Sébastien Haller imaging plan

🔭 October 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 — Widefield Heart & Soul

APS‑C FOV ≈ 3.2° × 2.1°

🎯 Best October Target: Heart + Soul Nebulae (IC 1805 + IC 1848)

Why this target fits 400 mm Both nebulae are huge and sit perfectly together in a single widefield frame at 400 mm.

Filters

Narrowband Hα/OIII (duo‑band)
RGB optional for star color

Exposure strategy

180–240 s NB
60–120 s RGB
8–12 h total integration

Expected result A dramatic double‑nebula composition with rich Hα structures and dark dust lanes.

Secondary October target: IC 342 (The Hidden Galaxy)

🌌 700 mm f/7 — Soul Core & IC 342

APS‑C FOV ≈ 1.8° × 1.2°

🎯 Best October Target: Soul Nebula (IC 1848) — Core Region

Why this target fits 700 mm You capture the central Hα structures with excellent detail while keeping the nebula’s shape intact.

Filters

Narrowband Hα/OIII
RGB optional

Exposure strategy

240–300 s NB
10–15 h total integration

Expected result A richly detailed Soul Nebula core with strong emission and defined dust structures.

Secondary October target: IC 342 (medium‑field galaxy)

🌠 1000 mm f/4 — Edge‑on Galaxies & Bubble Region

APS‑C FOV ≈ 1.2° × 0.8°

🎯 Best October Target: NGC 891 — Edge‑on Galaxy

Why this target fits 1000 mm NGC 891 is a perfect match: long dust lane, crisp edge‑on profile, and enough size to fill the frame.

Filters

RGB for galaxy structure
Optional Hα for faint emission regions

Exposure strategy

180–240 s RGB
8–12 h total integration

Expected result A razor‑sharp edge‑on galaxy with a dark dust lane and faint halo.

Secondary October target: NGC 7331 (Autumn classic)

🌑 2000 mm f/10 — Stephan’s Quintet & Tight Galaxies

APS‑C FOV ≈ 0.6° × 0.4°

🎯 Best October Target: Stephan’s Quintet

Why this target fits 2000 mm The compact galaxy group needs long focal length to resolve tidal tails and interactions.

Filters

RGB for galaxies
Optional Hα for shock regions

Exposure strategy

300–600 s RGB
10–15 h total integration

Expected result A high‑detail view of the interacting galaxies with visible tidal structures.

Secondary October target: NGC 891 close‑up

⭐ Your October Master Plan (Summary)

Scope	Target	Reason
400 mm	Heart + Soul	Perfect widefield autumn nebulae
700 mm	Soul core	Great balance of field + detail
1000 mm	NGC 891	Ideal edge‑on galaxy framing
2000 mm	Stephan’s Quintet	High‑detail galaxy group

juillet 2 2026

09-September imaging plan

Sébastien Haller imaging plan

🔭 September 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 — Widefield Autumn Nebulae & Andromeda

APS‑C FOV ≈ 3.2° × 2.1°

🎯 Best September Target: Andromeda Galaxy (M31)

Why this target fits 400 mm M31 is huge — at 400 mm you capture the full galaxy, dust lanes, and both satellite galaxies (M32 + M110).

Filters

Color: Best for galaxies
Narrowband: Not useful for M31

Exposure strategy

120–180 s RGB
6–10 h total integration

Expected result A crisp, widefield Andromeda with detailed dust lanes and bright core.

Secondary September target: Heart Nebula (IC 1805)

🌌 700 mm f/7 — Triangulum & Pacman

APS‑C FOV ≈ 1.8° × 1.2°

🎯 Best September Target: Triangulum Galaxy (M33)

Why this target fits 700 mm M33 is medium‑sized; 700 mm frames it perfectly with enough resolution to reveal Hα knots.

Filters

Color: Main
Narrowband: Optional Hα to highlight emission regions

Exposure strategy

180–240 s RGB
8–12 h total integration
Optional: 240–300 s Hα for blending

Expected result A detailed M33 with visible spiral arms and pink Hα regions.

Secondary September target: Pacman Nebula (NGC 281)

🌠 1000 mm f/4 — Bubble & Pacman Core

APS‑C FOV ≈ 1.2° × 0.8°

🎯 Best September Target: Bubble Nebula (NGC 7635)

Why this target fits 1000 mm The Bubble is small enough that 1000 mm gives excellent detail while still capturing surrounding Hα clouds.

Filters

Narrowband: Hα/OIII
Color: Optional for stars

Exposure strategy

180–240 s NB
8–12 h total integration

Expected result A high‑contrast Bubble with visible shell structure and surrounding emission.

Secondary September target: Pacman Nebula core

🌑 2000 mm f/10 — Small Galaxies & Bubble Close‑ups

APS‑C FOV ≈ 0.6° × 0.4°

🎯 Best September Target: Bubble Nebula close‑up

Why this target fits 2000 mm At long focal length, you can resolve the Bubble’s shell thickness, internal turbulence, and the driving star.

Filters

Narrowband: Hα/OIII mandatory
Color: Optional

Exposure strategy

300–600 s NB
10–15 h total integration

Expected result A tight, high‑resolution Bubble with crisp edges and internal gradients.

Secondary September target: Small galaxies around M31

⭐ Your September Master Plan (Summary)

Scope	Target	Reason
400 mm	Andromeda	Perfect widefield galaxy
700 mm	Triangulum	Ideal scale + detail
1000 mm	Bubble Nebula	Great balance of field + resolution
2000 mm	Bubble close‑up	High‑detail shell structure

imaging plan

🔭 June Imaging Plan — Switzerland (46°N)

🌄 400 mm f/5 — Lagoon + Trifid & Milky Way Core

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

🌌 700 mm f/7 — Eagle & Omega Nebulae

🎯 Best June Target: Eagle Nebula (M16)

🌠 1000 mm f/4 — Globular Clusters & Nebula Detail

🎯 Best June Target: Globular Cluster M13 (Hercules)

🌑 2000 mm f/10 — Planetary Nebulae & Globular Cores

🎯 Best June Target: Planetary Nebula NGC 6309 (Box Nebula)

⭐ Your June Master Plan (Summary)

🔭 May Imaging Plan — Switzerland (46°N)

🌄 400 mm f/5 — Widefield Virgo & Coma Galaxy Fields

🎯 Best May Target: Virgo + Coma Galaxy Fields (widefield)

🌌 700 mm f/7 — M63, M94, Whale & Hockey Stick

🎯 Best May Target: Sunflower Galaxy (M63)

🌠 1000 mm f/4 — Whale & Hockey Stick Close‑up

🎯 Best May Target: Whale Galaxy (NGC 4631)

🌑 2000 mm f/10 — Compact Galaxies in Canes Venatici

🎯 Best May Target: Compact galaxies in Canes Venatici (NGC 4449, NGC 4244)

⭐ Your May Master Plan (Summary)

🔭 April Imaging Plan — Switzerland (46°N)

🌄 400 mm f/5 — Widefield Galaxy Clusters

🎯 Best April Target: Markarian’s Chain (Virgo Cluster)

🌌 700 mm f/7 — M51 & M64

🎯 Best April Target: Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)

🌠 1000 mm f/4 — Edge‑on Galaxies

🎯 Best April Target: Needle Galaxy (NGC 4565)

🌑 2000 mm f/10 — Compact Galaxies & Interacting Pairs

🎯 Best April Target: NGC 4216 (Virgo Cluster)

⭐ Your April Master Plan (Summary)

🔭 March Imaging Plan — Switzerland (46°N)

🌄 400 mm f/5 — Widefield Galaxy Groups

🎯 Best March Target: Leo Triplet (M65, M66, NGC 3628)

🌌 700 mm f/7 — M81/M82 & M101

🎯 Best March Target: Bode’s Galaxy (M81) + Cigar Galaxy (M82)

🌠 1000 mm f/4 — Detailed Galaxies

🎯 Best March Target: NGC 2903

🌑 2000 mm f/10 — High‑Detail Galaxy Work

🎯 Best March Target: M82 — Starburst Galaxy (tight framing)

⭐ Your March Master Plan (Summary)

🔭 February Imaging Plan — Switzerland (46°N)

🌄 400 mm f/5 — California, Rosette, Cone Region

🎯 Best February Target: California Nebula (NGC 1499)

🌌 700 mm f/7 — Cone / Christmas Tree & Monkey Head

🎯 Best February Target: Cone Nebula + Christmas Tree Cluster (NGC 2264)

🌠 1000 mm f/4 — Monkey Head Close‑up & Medusa

🎯 Best February Target: Monkey Head Nebula (NGC 2174) — Close‑up

🌑 2000 mm f/10 — Small Planetaries in Gemini & Orion

🎯 Best February Target: Planetary Nebula NGC 2392 (Eskimo Nebula)

⭐ Your February Master Plan (Summary)

🔭 January Imaging Plan — Switzerland (46°N)

🌄 400 mm f/5 — Orion Widefield & Rosette

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

🌌 700 mm f/7 — M42 + Running Man + Rosette Core

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

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

🎯 Best January Target: M78 Reflection Nebula

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

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

⭐ Your January Master Plan (Summary)

🔭 December Imaging Plan — Switzerland (46°N)

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

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

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

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

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

🎯 Best December Target: M78 Reflection Nebula

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

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

⭐ Your December Master Plan (Summary)

🔭 November Imaging Plan — Switzerland (46°N)

🌄 400 mm f/5 — Widefield Galaxies & Autumn Nebulae

🎯 Best November Target: Andromeda Galaxy (M31)

🌌 700 mm f/7 — Triangulum & M74

🎯 Best November Target: Triangulum Galaxy (M33)

🌠 1000 mm f/4 — Edge‑on Galaxies & Detailed Nebulae

🎯 Best November Target: NGC 1023 — Lenticular Galaxy

🌑 2000 mm f/10 — Small Galaxies & Tight Nebulae

🎯 Best November Target: Small galaxies around Andromeda (NGC 147, NGC 185)

🌄 400 mm f/5 — Lagoon + Trifid & Milky Way Core

🌌 700 mm f/7 — Eagle & Omega Nebulae

🌠 1000 mm f/4 — Globular Clusters & Nebula Detail

🌑 2000 mm f/10 — Planetary Nebulae & Globular Cores

🌄 400 mm f/5 — Widefield Virgo & Coma Galaxy Fields

🌌 700 mm f/7 — M63, M94, Whale & Hockey Stick

🌠 1000 mm f/4 — Whale & Hockey Stick Close‑up

🌑 2000 mm f/10 — Compact Galaxies in Canes Venatici

🌄 400 mm f/5 — Widefield Galaxy Clusters

🌌 700 mm f/7 — M51 & M64

🌠 1000 mm f/4 — Edge‑on Galaxies

🌑 2000 mm f/10 — Compact Galaxies & Interacting Pairs

🌄 400 mm f/5 — Widefield Galaxy Groups

🌌 700 mm f/7 — M81/M82 & M101

🌠 1000 mm f/4 — Detailed Galaxies

🌑 2000 mm f/10 — High‑Detail Galaxy Work

🌄 400 mm f/5 — California, Rosette, Cone Region

🌌 700 mm f/7 — Cone / Christmas Tree & Monkey Head

🌠 1000 mm f/4 — Monkey Head Close‑up & Medusa

🌑 2000 mm f/10 — Small Planetaries in Gemini & Orion

🌄 400 mm f/5 — Orion Widefield & Rosette

🌌 700 mm f/7 — M42 + Running Man + Rosette Core

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

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

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

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

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

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

🌄 400 mm f/5 — Widefield Galaxies & Autumn Nebulae

🌌 700 mm f/7 — Triangulum & M74

🌠 1000 mm f/4 — Edge‑on Galaxies & Detailed Nebulae

🌑 2000 mm f/10 — Small Galaxies & Tight Nebulae

🌄 400 mm f/5 — Widefield Heart & Soul

🌌 700 mm f/7 — Soul Core & IC 342

🌠 1000 mm f/4 — Edge‑on Galaxies & Bubble Region

🌑 2000 mm f/10 — Stephan’s Quintet & Tight Galaxies

🌄 400 mm f/5 — Widefield Autumn Nebulae & Andromeda

🌌 700 mm f/7 — Triangulum & Pacman

🌠 1000 mm f/4 — Bubble & Pacman Core

🌑 2000 mm f/10 — Small Galaxies & Bubble Close‑ups