Evolution of Imaging M31: The Andromeda Galaxy
This video gives a somewhat chronological order to the quality of my attempts to image M31. This is one of the most recognizable deep space objects to image, and yet it has challenges that other popular DSO targets, like M42 (the Orion Nebula) or typical star clusters don't have. Galaxies have faint detail that can be tricky to bring out. One great challenge of using one-shot color cameras is that it is more difficult to shoot from light polluted skies than dark ones, but depending on where you live, dark skies aren't necessarily easy to come by. This video goes from the early attempts at imaging (around October of 2023) to the latest and best image, captured 6-9-2024.
Each image has the OTA (optical tube assembly, colloquially the telescope), and camera configuration used. Links to each piece of equipment, including the mounts used, are included here in the description.
OTAs:
FMA 135: https://agenaastro.com/catalog/produc...
FMA 180Pro: https://agenaastro.com/askar-fma180-p...
Sky-Watcher Evostar 72ED: https://agenaastro.com/sky-watcher-ev...
Astro-Tech AT60EDP: https://www.astronomics.com/astro-tec... (on sale at time of publishing this video. Pick one up while you still can!)
Cameras:
Player One Neptune M: https://player-one-astronomy.com/prod...
ZWO ASI585mc: https://www.highpointscientific.com/z...
ZWO ASI533MC-Pro: https://www.highpointscientific.com/z...
ZWO ASI2600MM-Pro: https://www.highpointscientific.com/z...
Mounts:
Explore Scientific iExos 100 PMC 8: https://www.explorescientific.com/pro...
iOptron SkyHunter: https://www.ioptron.com/product-p/she...
iOptron CEM40: https://www.ioptron.com/product-p/c40...
