Andromeda Galaxy

Date: 19 December 2006
Time: 5:25 - 5:50 U.T.
Telescope: 30cm Netwonian
Magnification: 38x
Seeing: Fair
NELM: 6.3
Temperature: +13 F (-11 C)


The above sketch shows the Great Andromeda Galaxy (M31) and two of its satellite galaxies, M32 above and M110 below. South is up. West is to the left. The circular field is 1.7 degrees in diameter. M31's coordinates are: RA 0hr 43', Dec +41 16'. Only a few of the field stars are shown in this sketch. 38x is my lowest magnification and 1.7 degrees is my widest FOV for the 30cm Newtonian. In order to see M31 in its entirety a smaller telescope (with a wider FOV), or binoculars is necessary. Notice the two dust lanes below the great galaxy's nucleus. Those lanes (and others) are easier to see at higher magnifications.