Andromeda Galaxy

28. Aug. 2024

Gear used

• Telescope: Redcat 51u
• Camera: ZWO ASI2600MC pro
• Guidescope: Uniguide 32
• Guidecamera: ZWO ASI220MM Mini
• Mount: Skywatcher Star Adventurer GTI
• Controls: ASIAIR Plus

Data collected

• Sky: Bortle 4 to 5
• Lights: 149 x 120s
• Biases: 30
• Darks: 30
• Flats: 29

When time is low

Sometimes, astrophotography is all about making the most of limited opportunities. When I captured this image of the Andromeda Galaxy, I knew I had little time before the clouds rolled in again, at most one night, maybe even less. So, I chose a bright and reliable target that would guarantee a worthwhile image. Andromeda, our nearest galactic neighbor, is bright enough that even with a short imaging window, it remains a rewarding subject. Despite the rushed conditions, I was able to capture its vast spiral structure, a reminder that sometimes, collecting even a little data is better than capturing nothing at all.