Andromeda Galaxy
Galaxy

Andromeda Galaxy

M 31 · Andromeda
These photons are ~2.54 million years old
UV/IR
Date
2025-09-17
Location
36.3859° N, 28.0411° E
Integration
1m (3 × 20s)
Software
ZWO Seestar app
Notes
Plate solve
Centre RA
0h 43m 39.1s
Centre Dec
+41° 12′ 44″
Field
42.7′ × 76.0′
Pixel scale
2.37″/px
Orientation
91.4° E of N
Captured from · Ελλάς
36.3859° N, 28.0411° E · open map ↗

Where to find it

Interactive sky chart centred on 0 43 39.1 +41 12 44, with constellation stick figures overlaid. Locate shows the whole constellation with the target ringed; Field zooms to the close-up. Drag to pan, scroll to zoom, click any star to identify it. Imagery: DSS colour survey via CDS Aladin Lite. Constellation figures © Dominic Ford (GPLv3).

The nearest large spiral galaxy and the most distant object visible to the naked eye. At over twice the diameter of the Milky Way, M31 spans more than 3° of sky — a wide-field mosaic is needed to capture it in full. Its satellite galaxies M32 and M110 fit in the same frame.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of object is M 31?
M 31 is a galaxy.
Which constellation is M 31 in?
M 31 lies in the constellation Andromeda.
How far away is M 31?
The light in this image left M 31 roughly ~2.54 million years ago, so that is how far back in time you are seeing it.
What are the coordinates of M 31?
M 31 sits at right ascension 00h 43m 39s and declination +41° 12′ 44″ (J2000).
When is the best time to photograph M 31?
M 31 is circumpolar from around 54°N — it never sets, and rides highest (about 78° altitude) on evenings around September.
What equipment was used to photograph M 31?
This image of M 31 was captured with ZWO Seestar S50 and ZWO Seestar S50 Camera.
How much exposure time went into this image?
This image of M 31 represents 1m (3 × 20s) of total integration time.