Andromeda

Andromeda Galaxy a.k.a. Messier 31

 

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Andromeda, the largest galaxy in the so-called Local Group of Galaxies to which our galaxy also belongs, is 2.5 million light-years away and can be seen (even with the naked eye) in the constellation Andromeda. As general information, Andromeda is about 1.5 times larger than the Milky Way, with a diameter of 220,000 light-years (compared to the Milky Way which is 120-140,000 light-years in diameter) and contains more than 2 times as many stars. Although the first mention of this celestial object dates from 960, the first to give a more detailed description was the German astronomer Simon Marius, in the 1600s.

It should also be mentioned that Andromeda and the Milky Way are approaching with about 100 miles per second, experts estimate that in about 3-4 billion years the 2 galaxies will collide and thus form a new giant galaxy.

 

Equipment and settings:

 

Mount: Skywatcher EQ6R Pro

Telescope: Skywatcher Evostar 72/420 + 0.85 reducer

Camera: ASI 533MM Pro

Filters: Astrodon LRGB+Ha

Integration: 4h40'

Edit in Pixinsight.

Location: my Bortle 6+ backyard

Done