Capturing the Majestic Andromeda Galaxy: A Photographer's Deep Dive

This past week, I embarked on a personal challenge: to capture the breathtaking Andromeda Galaxy (M31) with the equipment I had on hand. The goal was to see what was possible even without a dedicated tracking mount, relying on a more accessible setup.

The Gear and the Setup

My trusty Canon t6i served as the primary imaging device. For the lens, I opted for the versatile 85mm f/1.8, a lens known for its sharpness and ability to gather light.

The key challenge with untracked astrophotography is managing the Earth's rotation. To mitigate this, I employed a strategy of taking many short exposures. In this case, I accumulated 2 hours of total exposure time, with individual sub-exposures of 1.3 seconds each. The ISO was set to a high but manageable setting, denoted as 'B4' (which likely refers to a specific ISO or gain setting in the context of the user's experience).

The Post-Processing Pipeline

Once the data was collected, the real magic began in the post-processing stage. To bring out the faint details of the Andromeda Galaxy, I utilized a powerful software suite:

• Siril: Essential for stacking the numerous sub-exposures, Siril helps to align the images and reduce noise, bringing out the fainter structures of the galaxy.
• Graxpert: This tool is fantastic for enhancing contrast and bringing out subtle details, especially in extended objects like galaxies.
• Starnet++: A crucial step for isolating the galaxy from the stars, Starnet++ allows for targeted adjustments to the galaxy itself without affecting the star field.

Challenges and Next Steps

While the results are promising, I'm always looking to improve. I encountered some difficulty in consistently pulling out the same color hues from this image compared to a previous attempt. This is a common challenge in astrophotography, often stemming from factors like light pollution, atmospheric conditions, and the specific calibration frames used during processing. I'm actively seeking advice on how to better achieve accurate and pleasing color rendition in future captures. If you have any tips, please share them!

This project has been a rewarding experience, demonstrating that even with less specialized equipment, the wonders of the cosmos are within reach for aspiring astrophotographers. The journey is as much about the learning and problem-solving as it is about the final image.