Andromeda
(Messier 31)

Whilst waiting for a replacement astro-camera for my telescope, I had to go ‘old school’ with more basic equipment. But no telescope was required for this because it’s a huge, bright target - Andromeda. As we look up, it is six times the diameter of the moon and our nearest galaxy at ‘only’ 2.5m light years distance. Andromeda is coming our way and will eventually collide with our own galaxy. But don’t worry… we’ll all be dust by the time that happens.

This is far from the best galaxy picture I have taken, but I am pleased the result because the equipment was so basic - no guiding, a Canon mirrorless camera and there was no astronomical darkness that night as it was the middle of summer. I even slept in the open on a farm track with my faithful assistant dog, Cosmo.

Canon EOS Ra

Unguided Redcat 51 (250mm FL)

Total exposure: 2h 40m

110x120s ISO1600 f/4.9