Andromeda from Rome City Center: An Astrophotographer's Triumph
It's not every day you can point your telescope at the cosmos from the bustling heart of a major city, let alone capture the magnificent Andromeda galaxy. But for one dedicated astrophotographer, this dream became a reality, showcasing what's possible even with challenging conditions and basic equipment.
This stunning image of the Andromeda galaxy (M31) was captured using a newly acquired Canon 600D camera and a 50mm f1.8 lens. The photographer stacked a remarkable 347 light frames, each 3 seconds long at ISO 800. The processing involved darks, flats, and biases, all managed through the powerful Siril software, following a beginner tutorial from Deep Space Astro.
What makes this feat even more impressive is the untracked nature of the setup. Repositioning the camera every 50 shots on a standard tripod might sound like a tedious ordeal, but the photographer found it surprisingly manageable. The secret? Aligning with a specific star and a symbol on the screen, ensuring the celestial target remained consistently framed.
This image serves as an inspiring example for aspiring astrophotographers, proving that with dedication, patience, and a smart approach to processing, the wonders of the universe can be unveiled from even the most unexpected locations.
