Capturing the Majesty of Andromeda (M31) Under Bortle 7 Skies

Even under challenging Bortle 7 skies, the universe's wonders can still be brought to light. In this post, we delve into the impressive astrophotography feat of capturing the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) by fellow enthusiast richbruz.

Andromeda Galaxy M31

The Challenge: Bortle 7 Skies

Bortle 7 is considered a suburban sky, where light pollution significantly impacts the ability to capture faint deep-sky objects. This makes the achievement of capturing a detailed image of Andromeda all the more remarkable. It highlights the importance of careful planning and the right equipment.

The Gear and Setup

richbruz employed a solid setup to combat the light pollution and gather enough data:

Camera: Canon d600
Lens: 150mm
Mount: Star Adventurer 2i

This combination provides a good balance of portability and capability for deep-sky imaging.

Acquisition Details

To build a robust dataset, the following acquisition parameters were used:

Lights: 127 frames
Calibration Frames: 20 Darks, Flats, and Biases
Filters: Tri-band and Light Pollution filters were utilized. These are crucial for astronomers working in light-polluted areas, helping to isolate specific wavelengths of light emitted by nebulae and galaxies while rejecting unwanted light from artificial sources.
Dithering: Employed to improve image quality and reduce tracking artifacts.

Processing Powerhouse

The raw data was then transformed into the stunning image we see through a multi-step processing workflow:

Stacking & Initial Editing: Siril and GraXpert were used for stacking the light frames and initial processing.
Final Touches: Lightroom was employed for the final adjustments and polishing of the image.

The Result

The result is a testament to both the power of modern astrophotography equipment and the dedication of those who pursue it. Capturing M31, our closest galactic neighbor, is a classic goal, and this image demonstrates that even with significant light pollution, breathtaking views of the cosmos are within reach. It's an inspiring example for anyone looking to get started or improve their deep-sky imaging skills.