Galaxies
The Andromeda Galaxy
The Andromeda Galaxy (Messier 31), the largest galaxy in the Local Group, 2.5 million light-years away – photographed by Pete Lawrence.
Target details
The Andromeda Galaxy (Messier 31) is a spiral galaxy about 2.5 million light-years away. At around 220,000 light-years across it's the largest galaxy in the Local Group, which also includes the Milky Way, the Triangulum Galaxy and about 44 smaller galaxies. At magnitude 3.4 it's one of the brightest Messier objects, visible to the naked eye on moonless nights even from areas with moderate light pollution. Andromeda and the Milky Way are expected to collide in about 4.5 billion years, eventually merging into one giant galaxy.
Capture details
Data captured 12th January, 2016.
13x 6 minute exposures at ISO400.
Equipment details
Orion Europa 200
NEQ6 Pro
Nikon d7100
Skywatcher ST-80
QHY5L-II
Processing details
This image was processed in Pixinsight & Lightroom.
Quick facts
- What is The Andromeda Galaxy?
- The Andromeda Galaxy (Messier 31) is a spiral galaxy about 2.5 million light-years away. At around 220,000 light-years across it's the largest galaxy in the Local Group, which also includes the Milky Way, the Triangulum Galaxy and about 44 smaller galaxies.
- Where is it in the sky?
- In the constellation Andromeda.
- What are its catalogue names?
- M31
- When was this photo taken?
- 12 January 2016
- What equipment was used?
- Orion Europa 200, NEQ6 Pro, Nikon d7100, Skywatcher ST-80, QHY5L-II
- Where was it taken from?
- Lisburn, Northern Ireland.