Photographing The Andromeda Galaxy (Messier 31)
The Andromeda Galaxy (Messier 31) is 2.5 million light years from earth and is the closest galaxy to our Milky Way. M31 is a pleasure to photograph. It’s huge and easily fills the sensor with galactic goodness. The high resolution version of this image is available on Astrobin.
The Andromeda Galaxy, M31. Companion galaxies M32 (left of center) and M110 (lower right) can also be seen in this view.
Equipment
Optics: William Optics Gran Torino 81 (478mm, F5.9)
Flattener/0.8 Reducer: William Optics Flat 6A III
Mount: Celestron CGX
Camera: ZWO ASI1600mm Pro with Electronic Filter Wheel
Focuser: Pegasus Astro Focus Cube
Guide Camera: ZWO ASI120mm-s
Image
Red Filter: 33 x 180s
Green Filter: 40 x 180s
Blue Filter: 37 x 180s
Dark Frames: 25 x 180s
Flat Frames: 25
Capture Software: Sequence Generator Pro
Guide Software: PHD2