M31 Andromeda: My First Untracked Deep-Sky Attempt
It's always a thrill to point my camera towards the cosmos and capture something truly breathtaking. My latest adventure involved Andromeda (M31), and this time, it was my first serious attempt at photographing it beyond just having it appear in the frame with a wider lens. This image is the result of an untracked session, pushing my gear to its limits.
The Setup
- Camera: Canon T2i
- Telescope: Svbony SV503 102 ED with a 0.8x reducer (resulting in a 572mm focal length)
- Software/Processing: Siril 1.4.0beta3
The Challenge: Going Untracked
Photographing deep-sky objects like Andromeda usually requires a tracking mount to counteract the Earth's rotation. However, I wanted to see what was possible without one, relying instead on a massive number of shorter exposures. The result? A staggering 10,000 exposures of 0.5 seconds each at ISO 3200. Yes, I know that's a lot of shutter actuations, and perhaps not the best for the camera's longevity, but the proof, as they say, is in the pudding!
What the Image Shows
Despite the untracked nature of this session, I'm incredibly pleased with the detail and clarity achieved. It's amazing to think that by stacking so many short exposures, we can still resolve the structure of such a distant galaxy. This experience really highlights the importance of total integration time in astrophotography.
Onward to Tracking!
This experiment has certainly fueled my desire for better equipment, particularly a reliable tracking mount. I'm currently weighing my options between a robust EQ6R Pro or a lighter option like the AM5. The feedback suggests that a good mount is the next logical step for anyone serious about this hobby. And for those venturing into longer exposures, a guide scope and camera become essential companions.
It's a journey, and I'm excited to see where it leads next!
