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DSO Target Planner 2026 · SW Quattro 150P f/3.45 (518mm) · ASI 585MC Pro · FOV 85'×48' · Bortle 5, West Worthing

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Showing all 68 targets

JANUARY–FEBRUARY

Deep Winter — Long nights, Orion high, Auriga overhead

Orion Nebula

Orion Nebula

M42 / M43

Emission Nebula · Orion

Duo-BandEasy
Size85'×60'
Mag4.0
Gain100 + 252
Subs5-15s core / 120-180s outer
Total3-4 hrs (HDR)
WindowNov–Feb
FramingCore fits well. Full extent overfills.
HDR essential — short subs at gain 100 for Trapezium core, long subs at gain 252 for outer nebulosity. The #1 winter showpiece.
Running Man Nebula

Running Man Nebula

NGC 1977

Reflection + Emission · Orion

TribandEasy
Size40'×25'
Mag7.0
Gain252
Subs120-180s
Total3-4 hrs
WindowNov–Feb
FramingGood fit
Adjacent to M42. Blue reflection with emission regions. Triband blue boost ideal.
Horsehead & Flame

Horsehead & Flame

B33 / NGC 2024

Dark + Emission · Orion

Duo-BandMedium
Size6'×4' / 30'
Mag—/8.0
Gain252
Subs180-300s
Total5-6 hrs
WindowNov–Feb
FramingBoth fit together
Horsehead silhouetted against Ha emission. Duo-Band essential — invisible without Ha filter. Classic pair.
Crab Nebula

Crab Nebula

M1

Supernova Remnant · Taurus

Duo-BandEasy
Size6'×4'
Mag8.4
Gain252
Subs120-180s
Total3-4 hrs
WindowNov–Feb
FramingSmall — drizzle 2x
Compact bright SNR. Strong in all emission lines. Small at 518mm so drizzle helps.
California Nebula

California Nebula

NGC 1499

Emission Nebula · Perseus

Duo-BandEasy
Size145'×40'
Mag5.0
Gain252
Subs120-180s
Total4-5 hrs
WindowOct–Feb
FramingFits length in landscape
Enormous Ha cloud. Frames well lengthwise. Pure Ha emission — Duo-Band ideal.
Flaming Star Nebula

Flaming Star Nebula

IC 405

Emission + Reflection · Auriga

TribandMedium
Size37'×19'
Mag6.0
Gain252
Subs180-300s
Total4-5 hrs
WindowNov–Mar
FramingGood fit
Mixed emission and reflection around AE Aurigae. Triband captures Ha tendrils and blue reflection.
Tadpoles Nebula

Tadpoles Nebula

IC 410

Emission Nebula · Auriga

Duo-BandMedium
Size40'×30'
Mag7.5
Gain252
Subs180-300s
Total4-5 hrs
WindowNov–Mar
FramingGood fit
Famous tadpole structures (Simeis 130). Strong Ha. Adjacent to IC 405.
Pleiades

Pleiades

M45

Open Cluster + Reflection · Taurus

TribandEasy
Size110'×110'
Mag1.6
Gain100
Subs60-120s
Total3-4 hrs
WindowOct–Feb
FramingOverfills — crop central region
Iconic cluster with blue reflection nebulosity. Triband blue boost perfect. Short subs — very bright stars.
M78 Reflection Nebula

M78 Reflection Nebula

M78

Reflection Nebula · Orion

TribandMedium
Size8'×6'
Mag8.3
Gain100-120
Subs180-300s
Total4-5 hrs
WindowNov–Feb
FramingSmall — crop well
Blue reflection nebula in Orion. Surrounded by faint dust needing long integration.
Seagull Nebula

Seagull Nebula

IC 2177

Emission Nebula · Monoceros

Duo-BandMedium
Size120'×40'
Mag—
Gain252
Subs120-180s
Total4-5 hrs
WindowDec–Mar
FramingCrop head region (NGC 2327)
Large emission complex. Frame the head for best detail. Strong Ha.
Witch Head Nebula

Witch Head Nebula

IC 2118

Reflection Nebula · Eridanus

TribandHard
Size180'×60'
Mag13.0
Gain100-120
Subs300s
Total6-8 hrs
WindowNov–Feb
FramingMassive — crop section
Extremely faint blue reflection near Rigel. Needs dark skies and lots of data. Very challenging from Bortle 5.
Medusa Nebula

Medusa Nebula

Abell 21

Planetary Nebula · Gemini

Duo-BandHard
Size10'×8'
Mag15.9
Gain252
Subs300s
Total6-8 hrs
WindowDec–Mar
FramingSmall but fits
Very faint ancient PN. Strong OIII. Needs serious integration. Rewarding challenge.

MARCH

Winter stragglers setting west, spring preview rising east

Rosette Nebula

Rosette Nebula

NGC 2244

Emission Nebula · Monoceros

Duo-BandEasy
Size80'×60'
Mag9.0
Gain252
Subs120-180s
Total3 hrs
WindowDec–Mar
FramingNearly fills FOV — excellent
Large Ha/OIII target. Setting by midnight in March — prioritise early evening.
Monkey Head Nebula

Monkey Head Nebula

NGC 2174

Emission Nebula · Orion

Duo-BandMedium
Size40'×30'
Mag6.8
Gain252
Subs120-180s
Total3 hrs
WindowDec–Mar
FramingGood fit
Strong Ha emission. Getting low by late March.
Jellyfish Nebula

Jellyfish Nebula

IC 443

Supernova Remnant · Gemini

Duo-BandHard
Size50'×40'
Mag12.0
Gain252
Subs180-300s
Total5-6 hrs
WindowDec–Mar
FramingGood fit
Faint SNR with beautiful Ha/OIII filaments. Needs lots of integration.
Cone & Christmas Tree

Cone & Christmas Tree

NGC 2264

Emission + Reflection · Monoceros

TribandMedium
Size40'×20'
Mag3.9
Gain252
Subs120-180s
Total3-4 hrs
WindowDec–Mar
FramingGood fit
Mixed emission + reflection. Fox Fur Nebula benefits from Triband blue boost.
Thor's Helmet

Thor's Helmet

NGC 2359

Emission Nebula · Canis Major

Duo-BandHard
Size10'×10'
Mag11.5
Gain252
Subs180-300s
Total4-5 hrs
WindowJan–Mar
FramingSmall — crop well
Compact WR bubble. Very low by late March — image ASAP. Strong OIII.

MARCH–APRIL

Galaxy season opens — Leo, Ursa Major, Canes Venatici

Bode's Galaxy & Cigar

Bode's Galaxy & Cigar

M81 / M82

Spiral + Starburst · Ursa Major

TribandEasy
Size27'×14' / 11'×5'
Mag6.9/8.4
Gain100-120
Subs120-180s
Total4-5 hrs
WindowNov–May
FramingBoth fit easily
Classic pair. M82 has strong Ha starburst core — Triband captures this plus broadband structure. Circumpolar.
Leo Triplet

Leo Triplet

M65/M66/NGC 3628

Galaxy Group · Leo

TribandMedium
SizeGroup ~50'×30'
Mag8.9-9.5
Gain100-120
Subs180-300s
Total5-6 hrs
WindowFeb–May
FramingAll three fit with room
NGC 3628 has faint tidal tail. Best when Leo is highest.
Owl Nebula + M108

Owl Nebula + M108

M97 / M108

Planetary Neb + Galaxy · Ursa Major

TribandMedium
Size3' / 8'×2'
Mag9.9/10.0
Gain252
Subs180-300s
Total4-5 hrs
WindowFeb–May
FramingBoth fit comfortably
Unusual PN + galaxy pairing. Triband captures OIII-rich Owl and the galaxy.
Whale + Hockey Stick

Whale + Hockey Stick

NGC 4631/4656

Interacting Galaxies · Canes Venatici

TribandMedium
Size15'×3' / 15'×3'
Mag9.2/10.5
Gain100-120
Subs180-300s
Total5-6 hrs
WindowMar–Jun
FramingBoth fit in FOV
Ha regions in Whale disc visible with Triband. Frame landscape.
M106 Galaxy

M106 Galaxy

M106

Seyfert Galaxy · Canes Venatici

TribandMedium
Size19'×8'
Mag8.4
Gain100-120
Subs180-300s
Total5-6 hrs
WindowMar–Jun
FramingFits well
Active Seyfert nucleus with anomalous arms visible in Ha. Underrated target.

APRIL–MAY

Peak galaxy season — Virgo Cluster, Coma, CVn galaxies

Whirlpool Galaxy

Whirlpool Galaxy

M51

Interacting Spiral · Canes Venatici

TribandEasy
Size11'×7'
Mag8.4
Gain100-120
Subs180-300s
Total5-6 hrs
WindowMar–Jun
FramingGood framing
Face-on spiral + companion NGC 5195. Ha regions in arms visible with Triband. Iconic.
Sunflower Galaxy

Sunflower Galaxy

M63

Flocculent Spiral · Canes Venatici

TribandMedium
Size13'×8'
Mag8.6
Gain100-120
Subs180-300s
Total4-5 hrs
WindowMar–Jun
FramingFits well
Beautiful flocculent arms with subtle Ha patches. Needs good integration.
Pinwheel Galaxy

Pinwheel Galaxy

M101

Face-on Spiral · Ursa Major

TribandMedium
Size29'×27'
Mag7.9
Gain100-120
Subs180-300s
Total6-8 hrs
WindowMar–Jul
FramingFits very well
Large face-on spiral with prominent HII regions. Low surface brightness — needs lots of data.
Markarian's Chain

Markarian's Chain

Various

Galaxy Chain · Virgo

TribandMedium
Size~60' chain
Mag9-11
Gain100-120
Subs180-300s
Total4-5 hrs
WindowMar–May
FramingFits in landscape
M84, M86, NGC 4438 (Eyes). Low from Worthing but stunning composition.
Sombrero Galaxy

Sombrero Galaxy

M104

Edge-on Spiral · Virgo

TribandMedium
Size9'×4'
Mag8.0
Gain100-120
Subs180-300s
Total4-5 hrs
WindowMar–May
FramingSmall — drizzle
Iconic dust lane. Very low altitude (~25°) from 50.8°N.
Needle Galaxy

Needle Galaxy

NGC 4565

Edge-on Spiral · Coma Berenices

TribandMedium
Size16'×2'
Mag9.6
Gain100-120
Subs180-300s
Total5-6 hrs
WindowMar–Jun
FramingFits well
Perfect edge-on with prominent dust lane. Higher altitude than Sombrero.
Black Eye Galaxy

Black Eye Galaxy

M64

Spiral Galaxy · Coma Berenices

TribandEasy
Size10'×5'
Mag8.5
Gain100-120
Subs180-300s
Total4-5 hrs
WindowMar–Jun
FramingFits — crop well
Distinctive dark dust band. Relatively bright — good for shorter sessions.
M94 Galaxy

M94 Galaxy

M94

Starburst Ring · Canes Venatici

TribandEasy
Size11'×9'
Mag8.2
Gain100-120
Subs180-300s
Total4-5 hrs
WindowMar–Jun
FramingCompact — fits
Bright compact galaxy with distinctive starburst ring. Good for shorter sessions.
Virgo Cluster Core

Virgo Cluster Core

M87 region

Galaxy Cluster · Virgo

TribandEasy
SizeSeveral °
Mag8.6+
Gain100-120
Subs180-300s
Total4-5 hrs
WindowMar–May
FramingDozens of galaxies in FOV
Point near M87 to capture dozens of galaxies in one frame.

MAY–JUNE

Late spring — globulars rising, planetary nebulae, nights shortening

M13 Great Globular

M13 Great Globular

M13

Globular Cluster · Hercules

TribandEasy
Size20'
Mag5.8
Gain100
Subs30-60s
Total1-2 hrs
WindowApr–Sep
FramingGood fit
The showpiece glob. Short subs, lower gain to resolve individual stars.
M3 Globular Cluster

M3 Globular Cluster

M3

Globular Cluster · Canes Venatici

TribandEasy
Size18'
Mag6.2
Gain100
Subs30-60s
Total1-2 hrs
WindowMar–Jul
FramingGood fit
Rich and resolved. Quick win target.
Ring Nebula

Ring Nebula

M57

Planetary Nebula · Lyra

Duo-BandEasy
Size1.4'×1.0'
Mag8.8
Gain252
Subs60-120s
Total2-3 hrs
WindowMay–Oct
FramingVery small — drizzle 2x
Tiny but bright. Strong OIII ring. Drizzle to enlarge. Quick win.
Dumbbell Nebula

Dumbbell Nebula

M27

Planetary Nebula · Vulpecula

Duo-BandEasy
Size8'×6'
Mag7.5
Gain252
Subs120-180s
Total3-4 hrs
WindowMay–Oct
FramingSmall but workable
Gorgeous Ha/OIII two-tone structure. Duo-Band shows this beautifully.
Cat's Eye Nebula

Cat's Eye Nebula

NGC 6543

Planetary Nebula · Draco

Duo-BandHard
Size0.3' / 5' halo
Mag8.1
Gain252
Subs30-60s / 300s
Total3-4 hrs
WindowApr–Aug
FramingTiny — drizzle 2x
Bright compact PN. HDR blend short + long subs. Strong OIII. Circumpolar.

JUNE–AUGUST

Summer — Short nights, Cygnus at zenith, Sagittarius low south

North America Nebula

North America Nebula

NGC 7000

Emission Nebula · Cygnus

Duo-BandEasy
Size120'×100'
Mag4.0
Gain252
Subs120-180s
Total4-5 hrs
WindowMay–Nov
FramingMassive — crop Cygnus Wall
Frame the Cygnus Wall for best detail. Strong Ha. Works in short summer nights.
Pelican Nebula

Pelican Nebula

IC 5070

Emission Nebula · Cygnus

Duo-BandEasy
Size60'×50'
Mag8.0
Gain252
Subs120-180s
Total4-5 hrs
WindowMay–Nov
FramingGood fit
Dense ionisation front is spectacular. Frame the 'neck' region.
Veil Nebula (Eastern)

Veil Nebula (Eastern)

NGC 6992

Supernova Remnant · Cygnus

Duo-BandEasy
Size60'×8'
Mag7.0
Gain252
Subs120-180s
Total4-5 hrs
WindowJun–Nov
FramingFits easily in landscape
Stunning filaments. Ha AND OIII — Duo-Band shows both. One of the best targets in the sky.
Veil Nebula (Western)

Veil Nebula (Western)

NGC 6960

Supernova Remnant · Cygnus

Duo-BandEasy
Size70'×6'
Mag7.0
Gain252
Subs120-180s
Total4-5 hrs
WindowJun–Nov
FramingFits easily in landscape
Western arc with 52 Cygni. Pickering's Triangle between arcs is another panel.
Crescent Nebula

Crescent Nebula

NGC 6888

Wolf-Rayet Nebula · Cygnus

Duo-BandMedium
Size18'×13'
Mag7.4
Gain252
Subs180-300s
Total5-6 hrs
WindowJun–Nov
FramingGood fit
WR bubble. OIII shell + Ha interior. Layered structure.
Sadr Region

Sadr Region

IC 1318

Emission Nebula · Cygnus

Duo-BandEasy
Size~60'×60'
Mag—
Gain252
Subs120-180s
Total4-5 hrs
WindowJun–Nov
FramingCrop one wing
Huge emission complex around Gamma Cygni. Rich Ha.
Tulip Nebula

Tulip Nebula

Sh2-101

Emission Nebula · Cygnus

Duo-BandMedium
Size16'×9'
Mag8.0
Gain252
Subs180-300s
Total4-5 hrs
WindowJun–Oct
FramingGood fit
Near Cygnus X-1 (black hole). Strong Ha. Less photographed.
Eagle Nebula

Eagle Nebula

M16

Emission Nebula · Serpens

Duo-BandMedium
Size35'×28'
Mag6.0
Gain252
Subs120-180s
Total4-5 hrs
WindowJun–Sep
FramingGood fit
Pillars of Creation. Low from Worthing (~20°) but bright.
Omega / Swan Nebula

Omega / Swan Nebula

M17

Emission Nebula · Sagittarius

Duo-BandMedium
Size46'×37'
Mag6.0
Gain252
Subs120-180s
Total3-4 hrs
WindowJun–Sep
FramingGood fit
Extremely bright. Very low from Worthing (~15°).
Trifid Nebula

Trifid Nebula

M20

Emission + Reflection · Sagittarius

TribandHard
Size29'×27'
Mag6.3
Gain252
Subs120-180s
Total3-4 hrs
WindowJun–Sep
FramingGood fit
Mixed emission/reflection. Triband captures both. Very low altitude from Worthing.
Lagoon Nebula

Lagoon Nebula

M8

Emission Nebula · Sagittarius

Duo-BandMedium
Size45'×30'
Mag5.8
Gain252
Subs120-180s
Total3-4 hrs
WindowJun–Sep
FramingGood fit
Very bright but extremely low (~12°) from Worthing.

AUGUST–SEPTEMBER

Late summer — Cepheus targets, nights lengthening

Elephant Trunk Nebula

Elephant Trunk Nebula

IC 1396A

Emission Nebula · Cepheus

Duo-BandMedium
SizeTrunk ~20'×10'
Mag3.5
Gain252
Subs180-300s
Total5-6 hrs
WindowJul–Dec
FramingTrunk region fits well
Frame the trunk for best results. Full nebula needs mosaic. Strong Ha.
Iris Nebula

Iris Nebula

NGC 7023

Reflection Nebula · Cepheus

TribandMedium
Size18'×18'
Mag6.8
Gain100-120
Subs180-300s
Total5-6 hrs
WindowJul–Dec
FramingGood fit
Blue reflection nebula surrounded by dust. Triband blue boost helps enormously.
Cocoon Nebula

Cocoon Nebula

IC 5146

Emission + Reflection · Cygnus

TribandMedium
Size12'×12'
Mag7.2
Gain252
Subs180-300s
Total5-6 hrs
WindowJul–Nov
FramingFits well
Emission core, reflection wings, plus dark Barnard 168 dust trail. Triband ideal.
Bubble Nebula

Bubble Nebula

NGC 7635

Emission Nebula · Cassiopeia

Duo-BandMedium
Size15'×8'
Mag7.0
Gain252
Subs180-300s
Total5-6 hrs
WindowAug–Dec
FramingGood fit
Wind-blown bubble. Strong Ha + OIII. Frame with nearby M52.
Wizard Nebula

Wizard Nebula

NGC 7380

Emission Nebula · Cepheus

Duo-BandMedium
Size25'×25'
Mag7.2
Gain252
Subs180-300s
Total5-6 hrs
WindowAug–Dec
FramingGood fit
Compact emission around open cluster. Strong Ha.
Cave Nebula

Cave Nebula

Sh2-155

Emission Nebula · Cepheus

Duo-BandMedium
Size50'×30'
Mag—
Gain252
Subs180-300s
Total5-6 hrs
WindowAug–Dec
FramingGood fit
Faint but fascinating. Part of the Cepheus molecular cloud.
Fireworks Galaxy

Fireworks Galaxy

NGC 6946

Face-on Spiral · Cepheus

TribandMedium
Size11'×10'
Mag9.6
Gain100-120
Subs180-300s
Total5-6 hrs
WindowJul–Nov
FramingCompact — fits
Prominent HII regions and frequent supernovae. Circumpolar.
NGC 7331 + Stephan's Quintet

NGC 7331 + Stephan's Quintet

NGC 7331 / HCG 92

Galaxy + Compact Group · Pegasus

TribandHard
Size11'×4' / 3.5'
Mag9.5/13+
Gain100-120
Subs300s
Total6-8 hrs
WindowAug–Nov
FramingBoth fit — 30' apart
Fine spiral + iconic compact group. Deep integration for Quintet.

OCTOBER–NOVEMBER

Autumn — Andromeda peak, Cassiopeia high, long nights returning

Andromeda Galaxy

Andromeda Galaxy

M31

Spiral Galaxy · Andromeda

TribandEasy
Size190'×60'
Mag3.4
Gain100-120
Subs120-180s
Total4-6 hrs/panel
WindowSep–Jan
FramingCore fits. Full = 2-3 panel mosaic.
Nearest major galaxy. Core + M32/M110 frame well. Ha regions in arms with Triband. Iconic.
Triangulum Galaxy

Triangulum Galaxy

M33

Face-on Spiral · Triangulum

TribandMedium
Size73'×45'
Mag5.7
Gain100-120
Subs180-300s
Total5-6 hrs
WindowSep–Jan
FramingNearly fills FOV — excellent
Large spiral with massive HII regions (NGC 604). One of the best Triband targets.
Heart Nebula

Heart Nebula

IC 1805

Emission Nebula · Cassiopeia

Duo-BandEasy
Size60'×60'
Mag6.5
Gain252
Subs120-180s
Total5-6 hrs
WindowAug–Feb
FramingFits well
Large bright emission. Melotte 15 at centre makes a great crop. Circumpolar.
Soul Nebula

Soul Nebula

IC 1848

Emission Nebula · Cassiopeia

Duo-BandEasy
Size60'×30'
Mag6.5
Gain252
Subs120-180s
Total5-6 hrs
WindowAug–Feb
FramingFits well
Adjacent to Heart. Image both across sessions. Strong Ha. Circumpolar.
Pacman Nebula

Pacman Nebula

NGC 281

Emission Nebula · Cassiopeia

Duo-BandMedium
Size35'×30'
Mag7.4
Gain252
Subs120-180s
Total4-5 hrs
WindowAug–Feb
FramingGood fit
Compact emission with Bok globules. Good OIII. Circumpolar.
Double Cluster

Double Cluster

NGC 869/884

Open Cluster Pair · Perseus

TribandEasy
Size60'×30'
Mag3.7
Gain100
Subs30-60s
Total1-2 hrs
WindowSep–Feb
FramingBoth fit
Iconic cluster pair. Triband preserves star colours. Short subs. Quick target.
NGC 7822

NGC 7822

NGC 7822

Emission Nebula · Cepheus

Duo-BandMedium
Size60'×30'
Mag—
Gain252
Subs180-300s
Total5-6 hrs
WindowAug–Jan
FramingGood fit
Pillar structures like Eagle Nebula. Strong Ha. Underrated.
NGC 891

NGC 891

NGC 891

Edge-on Spiral · Andromeda

TribandMedium
Size14'×3'
Mag10.0
Gain100-120
Subs180-300s
Total5-6 hrs
WindowSep–Jan
FramingFits well
Stunning edge-on with prominent dust lane. M31 analogue.
Helix Nebula

Helix Nebula

NGC 7293

Planetary Nebula · Aquarius

Duo-BandMedium
Size25'×20'
Mag7.3
Gain252
Subs120-180s
Total4-5 hrs
WindowAug–Nov
FramingFits well
Nearest large PN. Very low from Worthing (~18° max). Only on clear southern nights.

NOVEMBER–DECEMBER

Early winter — longest nights, Orion rising, winter Milky Way

Ghost Nebulae

Ghost Nebulae

IC 63 / IC 59

Emission + Reflection · Cassiopeia

TribandHard
Size10'×3' / 10'×5'
Mag—
Gain252
Subs300s
Total6-8 hrs
WindowSep–Jan
FramingBoth fit with Gamma Cas
Illuminated by Gamma Cas. IC 63 = Ha, IC 59 = reflection. Triband captures both.
Spaghetti Nebula

Spaghetti Nebula

Simeis 147

Supernova Remnant · Taurus

Duo-BandChallenge
Size180'
Mag—
Gain252
Subs300-600s
Total10+ hrs
WindowNov–Feb
FramingMassive — crop filaments
Enormous ancient SNR. Extremely faint Ha filaments. Multi-night project. Ultimate bragging rights.
Sh2-308 (Dolphin Nebula)

Sh2-308 (Dolphin Nebula)

Sh2-308

Wolf-Rayet Bubble · Canis Major

Duo-BandHard
Size40'×28'
Mag—
Gain252
Subs300s
Total6-8 hrs
WindowDec–Mar
FramingGood fit
Beautiful OIII-dominant WR bubble. Very low from Worthing. Duo-Band essential.
Cederblad 214

Cederblad 214

Ced 214

Emission Nebula · Cepheus

Duo-BandMedium
Size40'×30'
Mag—
Gain252
Subs180-300s
Total5-6 hrs
WindowSep–Jan
FramingGood fit
Bright emission in NGC 7822 complex. Strong Ha. Less photographed.