Andromeda Galaxy from Australia

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Andromeda Galaxy from Australia

[Public Domain] 16 Nov 2014 Dylan O'Donnell
CATEGORY : Astrophotography
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A long long time from now, in this galaxy currently far far away, our home the Milky Way will smash into Andromeda Galaxy. We are on a collision course with this beautiful region which reminds us that all life here is temporary and that we are all doomed. Doomed, I tell you.

This massive galaxy is visually the size of two full moons in the sky, but not bright enough to see with your own eyes. It’s captured here with a long exposure, but is a mostly impossible object for Australian astrophotographers due to its low position on the horizon.

I almost spilled my beer when I realized it was visible from my backyard near the easternmost point of Australia. This allowed a relatively clear view to the north where it could be seen for less than an hour between gaps in the neighbors trees. Winds hindered my shots and I ended up stacking about 6 frames of 55 seconds each at ISO 1600. Using the Canon 70D with a Celestron 9.25″ SCT.

Second attempt also (blurry edge stars, but better framing and colour) :

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