My First Dive into the Cosmos: Capturing the Andromeda Galaxy

Hello fellow stargazers and space enthusiasts! I'm thrilled to share my very first attempt at astrophotography, a journey that took me to the stunning skies of Joshua Tree on July 26, 2025.

My target for this maiden voyage into deep sky imaging was none other than our magnificent neighbor, the Andromeda Galaxy (M31).

The Gear and the Process

Here's a look at the equipment and techniques I employed for this exciting endeavor:

• Telescope: Star Watcher SA 2i
• Camera: Canon Rebel 6i
• Lens: 300mm Canon lens
• Location: Joshua Tree, California
• Date: July 26, 2025
• Exposures: 85 x 90-second exposures
• Processing Software: Stacked in Siril, finished in Photoshop

I also made sure to capture all necessary calibration frames: bias, flats, and darks, which are crucial for a clean image.

The Result and Reflections

I'm pretty happy with how this turned out, especially considering it's my first ever attempt! While the image isn't as sharp as I'd hoped, I must admit the lens was quite budget-friendly, so it's understandable. The tracking on my setup worked perfectly, which I was incredibly pleased with – a massive win for a beginner!

I noticed the image has a slightly blue cast, which I've grown to quite like. It adds a unique, almost ethereal quality to M31.

I'm eager to learn and improve, so I'm open to any tips or feedback you seasoned astrophotographers might have. What do you think of my first cosmic capture?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!