Capturing the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) from My Backyard
For those of us who dream of the cosmos, even a light-polluted backyard can become a gateway to the universe. I'm thrilled to share this image of the magnificent Andromeda Galaxy (M31), captured right from my own backyard under Bortle 6 skies!
This endeavor utilized the power of HaRGB imaging, bringing out the subtle details and nebulae within our closest galactic neighbor. It's incredible what can be achieved with the right equipment and a passion for the night sky.
The Gear Behind the Shot
The pursuit of deep-sky objects like M31 requires careful selection of equipment. For this capture, my setup included:
- Telescope: Stellarvue SVX102TR
- Camera: ZWO ASI2600MM
- Control System: ASI Air Plus
- Filters: Antlia HaRGB
The Imaging Process
The journey to this final image involved a dedicated imaging session:
- Exposure: 35 x 5-minute subs per filter (Ha, Red, Green, Blue)
- Processing: Stacked and processed in PixInsight
The combination of these elements allowed for the detailed rendering you see here. The 5-minute sub-exposures, combined across the Ha, Red, Green, and Blue channels, provided the data needed for the intricate processing in PixInsight.
It's a rewarding feeling to bring such a distant and beautiful object into clear view from home. Clear skies!
