NGC 891 Galaxy in Andromeda
Photographer: Andrea Iorio Summary Author: Andrea Iorio
NGC 891 is a bright galaxy in the constellation Andromeda, 3.5 degrees east of the star γ Andromedae. From our perspective, it’s seen perfectly side-on, so on a short focal length telescope it appears as a long clear spindle. At higher magnifications (inset), the presence of a very bright central bulb is clearly visible as well as a dark band of interstellar dust and gas. NGC 891 is part of a group of galaxies some 30 million light years away from the Milky Way’s local group of galaxies. Image obtained on the nights of 4, 5, 6 and 7 December 2023 -- 10-hours of acquisition time.
Photo and set up details: ASI 533MC Pro astronomical camera (gain 101, offset 40, -10°C); ZWO OAG; ASI 120 mm for guiding Skywatcher 130PDS f5 telescope with 1X coma corrector; EQM-35 Pro equatorial mount. Night sky conditions equivalent to Bortle 6 (SQM 19.11).
Marino, Roma, Italy Coordinates: 41.7697883, 12.6586082
Related Links:Two Views of the Wondrous Andromeda GalaxyGalaxies Over Time