Andromeda Galaxy

(Also known as: M31 & NGC 224)

The Andromeda Galaxy is a spiral galaxy approximately 2.5 million light years from Earth. It’s the nearest major galaxy to the Milky Way & contains approximately 1 trillion stars. The Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxy are expected to collide in around 4.5 billion years, merging to form a giant galaxy.

This image was shot in LRGB over two nights in Kendal, UK (Bortle 4) under a 80%+ Moon. 75 2-minute exposures were taken with each filter and the best 57 were used for each channel. Total integration time was 7hrs 36mins. Images were taken with a Altair Hypercam 183M, a William Optics ZS61 on a Losmandy G11 mount. Images were auto-guided with PHD2 and my new dew controller and auto-focus motor from Pegasus Astro worked flawlessly.

Image Details:

  • RA: 00h 42m 44.3s
  • DEC: +41° 16' 09"
  • Constellation: Andromeda
  • Distance from Earth: 2,540,000 ly
  • Shot from: Kendal, UK
  • Dates: 20th — 27th October 2018

Exposures:

  • Luminance: 57 x 2 minutes
  • R: 57 x 2 minutes
  • G: 57 x 2 minutes
  • B: 57 x 2 minutes
  • Total Integration: 7 hours, 36 minutes