The Andromeda Galaxy or M31, at 2.5 million light years from Earth, is our nearest galactic neighbor. Consisting of 1 trillion stars, Andromeda is scheduled to merge with the Milky Way in about 4.5 billion years and the result will be a giant elliptical galaxy. It is approaching the Milky Way at approximately 100 to 140 km/s. Make your reservations early. Andromeda is accompanied by 14 dwarf galaxies, including M32, M110, and possibly M33 (The Triangulum Galaxy).
This picture is a mosaic of 6 panels, each consisting of 4 hours integration time, 24 hours in total. The rendition is a mix of old Luminance data and a new RGB set. Best viewed in high resolution 🙂
M31 – The Andromeda Galaxy
Telescope: 16″ f3.75 Dream Scope
Camera:Â FLI ML16803
Mount:Â ASA DDM85
Exposure: 24 hours, 6 panels of 4 hours – 6x (24x300s L + 3x8x300s RGB)
Acquisition: September 2018 (L) – October 2022 (RGB)
Location:Â Southern Alps, France
Bart Delsaert - Astrophotography 