My First Tracked M31: Exploring the Andromeda Galaxy's Halo
This is my first attempt at capturing the majestic Andromeda Galaxy (M31) using tracked astrophotography, and I'm thrilled with the results! It's amazing what a difference tracking makes, even with a relatively simple setup.
Acquisition Details:
- Location: Bortle 4 skies
- Camera: Canon T6i
- Lens: 135mm f/2
- Exposure: 2.5 hours of 30-second exposures
- Software: Edited with Siril
The Processing Journey:
I'm still quite new to the world of astrophotography, and this was my very first set of tracked data. Learning to stack and process these images has been an incredible journey. I used Siril for the processing, and I'm genuinely impressed with how much detail I was able to bring out.
A Curious Glow: The Halo of M31
One of the most captivating aspects of this image for me is the glowing halo surrounding the Andromeda Galaxy. I'm really curious about what this phenomenon is. Is it an intrinsic part of the galaxy's structure, perhaps its extended stellar halo or even the intergalactic medium interacting with it? I'd love to hear any insights from fellow stargazers or astronomers!
Looking Ahead:
This experience has definitely fueled my passion for astrophotography. I'm excited to continue experimenting with different techniques and equipment to capture more of the wonders of the night sky. If you're also interested in deep-sky imaging, I highly recommend trying out tracking – it truly makes a difference!
What are your thoughts on the Andromeda Galaxy's halo? Let me know in the comments below!
