M31, Andromeda Galaxy [explored] – You all know this one … Andromeda is the nearest large galaxy to the Milky Way (approx 2.5 million ly away), and similar to ours in size and structure. It’s huge – even at that distance it appears about 6 full moons across. M31 is so bright that it can be seen with the naked eye from dark skies, and I regularly catch it through binoculars even from downtown Toronto. She also has a couple of companion galaxies – M32 is the small one above it, and M110 is the elliptical one below it. All of the (non-galaxy) stars in this field are part of our Milky Way, and relatively nearby – positioned between us and the distant galaxies. Think of it as if you’re looking through snowflakes at a distant object. Details for astronerds: L:R:G:B combine (minutes) = 80:25:25:35 FSQ-85 and STL11000M Taken from dark skies near Havelock, Ontario, Canada on August 6, 2010. Thanks for looking, Adam by write_adam via http://flic.kr/p/8qki95 – Gatlinburg Garden Castle Rainbow Tower Library Imagination Station Temple Water Spirit Guardian Labyrinth Treasury Magic Healing