M31 Captured: A Smartphone and Tracker Triumph
Astrophotography is constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible, and this incredible capture of the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) is a testament to that. Using just a smartphone and a tracker, the results are nothing short of spectacular!
The Equipment
- Camera: Xiaomi 13 Ultra (utilizing its 5x built-in periscope telephoto lens)
- Mount: EQ mount with OnStep
The Data Acquisition
The images were captured over two separate nights, showcasing meticulous planning and execution:
- 2025.06.07: ISO 3200, 30s exposure x 150 lights (RAW/DNG format). This session also included dark frames and bias frames.
- 2025.07.21: ISO 3200, 30s exposure x 123 lights (RAW/DNG format), also with dark and bias frames.
This results in a total integration time of 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 30 seconds – a significant amount of data for such a setup.
The Processing Pipeline
The journey from raw data to the final image involved several powerful tools:
- Stacking: Astro Pixel Processor (APP) was used, with a 2x Drizzle applied for enhanced resolution.
- Processing: The stacked images were further refined using GraXpert, Siril, and Adobe Camera RAW.
The Result
Behold the fruits of this dedication and technological ingenuity:
This image of M31 demonstrates that you don't always need a dedicated astrophotography camera to capture breathtaking views of the cosmos. With the right equipment and a commitment to the process, even a high-end smartphone can deliver stunning results. Kudos to the astrophotographer for this impressive achievement!
