10/29/2025
The awesome Andromeda Galaxy (Messier 31) and one of its satellite galaxies (M32). This is the closest major galaxy to our own galaxy at a distance of 2.5 million light years. It measures about 150,000 light years in diameter, similar to our Milkyway, and contains 1 trillion stars. The galaxy is actually moving towards us at almost 200 miles per second and is expected to collide with our galaxy in 4 billion years! The satellite galaxys are much smaller elliptical galaxies, although even the smaller one (M32) measure 6500 light years across. The galaxy is clearly visible with the naked eye under dark rural skies. I captured this from my dark sky location overnight while I was waiting to capture the comet.
Telescope: 8” RASA f/2
Camera: Zwo ASI2600MC Pro
Exposure: 320 x 1min
Mount: Zwo AM5
Guiding: ASI120mini, 30mm scope
Filter: Optolong L Quad Enhanc
Software: ASI Air, DSS, Pixinsight