http://gallery.cuttinedgeobservatory.com/v/galaxies/m31/ Andromeda is the largest galaxy of the Local Group, which consists of the Andromeda Galaxy, the Milky Way Galaxy, the Triangulum Galaxy, and about 30 other smaller galaxies. Although the largest, it may not be the most massive, as recent findings suggest that the Milky Way contains more dark matter and may be the most massive in the grouping. However, recent observations by the Spitzer Space Telescope revealed that M31 contains one trillion (1012) stars, greatly exceeding the number of stars in our own galaxy. 2006 estimates put the mass of the Milky Way to be ~80% of the mass of Andromeda, which is estimated to be 7.1×1011 solar masses.
At an apparent magnitude of 4.4, the Andromeda Galaxy is notable for being one of the brightest Messier objects, making it easily visible to the naked eye even when viewed from areas with moderate light pollution. It appears quite small without a telescope because only the central part is bright enough to be visible, but the full angular diameter of the galaxy is seven times that of the full moon. (Text from WikiPedia)]]> en-us Gallery 2 RSS Module, version 1.1.8 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 09:04:32 +0000 120 http://gallery.cuttinedgeobservatory.com/d/924-10/m31.jpg http://gallery.cuttinedgeobservatory.com/v/galaxies/m31/ http://gallery.cuttinedgeobservatory.com/v/galaxies/m31/m31_001.jpg.html http://gallery.cuttinedgeobservatory.com/v/galaxies/m31/m31_001.jpg.html
Exposure
- LRGB 90:30:30:30
- LRGB 5min subs @ bin1x1
- 3 hours total exposure

Equipment Used
- RCOS Carbon Truss 12.5" RC
- SBIG STL-11000M w/ AO
- Paramount ME
- Astrodon Gen 2 Filters

Data Acquired August 2010

The goal of this image was to get spiral detail to the core of M31. Short 5 minute subs were required to prevent it burning out. There is no modification of the colors or selective shifting of the core as many people seem to do to this target. Saturation and Vibrance boosting were the only color manipulations.]]> Chris Johnson photo Tue, 18 Jan 2011 20:36:22 +0000 http://gallery.cuttinedgeobservatory.com/v/galaxies/m31/m31-stl-crop.jpg.html http://gallery.cuttinedgeobservatory.com/v/galaxies/m31/m31-stl-crop.jpg.html
Exposure
- LRGB 135:45:45:45
- L 15min subs @ bin1x1
- RGB 5min subs @ bin2x2
- 4.5 hours total exposure

Equipment Used
- Tele Vue NP-127is
- SBIG STL-11000M
- Paramount ME
- Astrodon Gen 2 Filters

Processing in CCDStack

Final processing Photoshop CS4

100% Crop]]> Chris Johnson photo Thu, 18 Dec 2008 22:38:58 +0000 http://gallery.cuttinedgeobservatory.com/v/galaxies/m31/m31-stl.jpg.html http://gallery.cuttinedgeobservatory.com/v/galaxies/m31/m31-stl.jpg.html
Exposure
- LRGB 135:45:45:45
- L 15min subs @ bin1x1
- RGB 5min subs @ bin2x2
- 4.5 hours total exposure

Equipment Used
- Tele Vue NP-127is
- SBIG STL-11000M
- Paramount ME
- Astrodon Gen 2 Filters

Processing in CCDStack

Final processing Photoshop CS4]]> Chris Johnson photo Thu, 18 Dec 2008 22:40:45 +0000