M31 Andromeda Galaxy

M31, The Andromeda Galaxy, needs no introduction. Probably the most commonly imaged galaxy out there, but more beautiful than any. Home of an estimated trillion stars, large blue star forming regions which give off so much energy causing the Hydrogen gas clouds they were formed from to glow red.

I waited for two years to image this galaxy, waiting for the perfect combination of clear skies, no moon, and decent seeing. That came Nov.7/8. I dedicated one night to Ha and the following night to LRGB before the weather turned again.

I then spent several days off and on processing over and over again to do this beautiful galaxy the justice it deserved. I wanted to emphasize 4 items from my processing and I am hoping I hit them. I wanted to emphasize overall galactic structure, new star formations (blue), Red brilliant Ha regions, and dark dust structure.

 

Imaging telescope: SkyWatcher Esprit 80ED Super APO Triplet

Imaging camera: ZWO ASI1600MM-Pro

Mount: SkyWatcher EQ6-R Pro

 

 

Dates:Nov. 7, 2020 , Nov. 8, 2020

Frames:

Optolong B 36mm: 30x120" (gain: 139.00) -20C bin 1x1

Optolong G 36mm: 34x120" (gain: 139.00) -20C bin 1x1

Antlia Ha 3.5nm 36mm: 43x600" (gain: 139.00) -20C bin 1x1

Optolong L 36mm: 90x120" (gain: 139.00) -20C bin 1x1

Optolong R 36mm: 32x120" (gain: 139.00) -20C bin 1x1

Integration: 13.4 hours

 

astrob.in/3gxtzp/I/

Done