M31 Captured with a Smartphone: A Triumph of Modern Astrophotography

It's not every day you see the iconic Andromeda Galaxy, M31, rendered in such stunning detail, especially when the primary imaging tool is a smartphone! This remarkable achievement was made possible by a Xiaomi 13 Ultra, showcasing the incredible advancements in mobile camera technology and the dedication of astrophotographers.

The Equipment and Data Behind the Shot

This impressive capture of M31 wouldn't be possible without a carefully considered setup and a significant amount of patient data acquisition. Here's a breakdown of the technical specifications:

• Imaging Device: Xiaomi 13 Ultra (equipped with a 5x built-in periscope telephoto lens)

• Mount: An equatorial (EQ) mount with OnStep control for precise tracking of celestial objects.

• Acquisition Details:

  • Session 1 (June 7, 2025): ISO 3200, 30s exposure x 150 lights (RAW/DNG format). Data acquired during an 89% moon phase.
  • Session 2 (July 21, 2025): ISO 3200, 30s exposure x 123 lights (RAW/DNG format).
  • Session 3 (July 24, 2025): ISO 3200, 30s exposure x 307 lights (RAW/DNG format).
  • Total Integration Time: A staggering 4 hours and 50 minutes of combined light frames.
  • Calibration Frames: Darks were also acquired for optimal noise reduction.

Processing: Bringing Out the Details

Acquiring the data is only half the battle. The processing pipeline is crucial for revealing the subtle details within the light frames. This image was processed using:

• Stacking: Astro Pixel Processor (APP) was used for stacking, employing a 3x drizzle technique to enhance resolution and fine details.
• Further Processing: GraXpert, Siril, and Adobe Camera RAW were utilized to refine the stacked image, bringing out the galaxy's structure and colors.

A New Era for Mobile Astrophotography

This photograph of M31 is a testament to how far smartphone technology has come. What was once relegated to dedicated DSLR or mirrorless cameras and specialized astro cameras is now becoming accessible through our pocket-sized devices. The combination of advanced optics, sensitive sensors, and sophisticated processing software, coupled with reliable tracking mounts, allows for breathtaking views of the cosmos that were unimaginable just a few years ago.

It's truly impressive to see such results from a smartphone, and it truly makes the achievement even more remarkable. This image is an inspiration for aspiring astrophotographers and a clear indicator of the exciting future of mobile stargazing.