Observation Log: M31 Andromeda Galaxy

Date: October 21st, 2025 Location: Ashland, Ne Conditions: Seeing (VG), Transparency (Magnitude 6), Temperature (10°C)

Equipment Used

• Telescope / OTA: Celestron NexStar Evolution 9.25" SCT
• Mount & Tripod: ZWO AM5N and TC40
• Camera(s): ZWO ASI533MC Pro
• Accessories: Hyperstar, Dew Shield, ASIAIR
• Software: ASIAIR

Target Information

• Object Name: M31 Andromeda Galaxy
• Type: Galaxy
• Constellation: Andromeda
• Magnitude: +3.28 mag
• Size: 177.8" x 69.7"
• Notes: I chose this object because it is large and bright and framed well in the hyperstar

Imaging Details

• Exposure Settings: 20s x 180 subs at 120 gain
• Filters: None
• Integration Time: 60 minutes
• Calibration Frames: Darks, Flats, Dark-Flats
• Pixel Scale: 1.48" per pixel
• Focal Length: 515mm at f/2.2

Observing Notes

• Setup & Alignment: Quckest setup time yet, alignment went very smooth and successful on first attempt
• Session Highlights: It was a short session but I learned a lot about using they hyperstar and got a chance to look at a couple of objects using it and compared field of view compared to my reducer setup.
• Challenges: The biggest challenge was the physical temperature making it difficult for me to function well, but otherwise everything went as well as it could have.
• Lessons Learned: Next time: Pack gloves and hand warmer, take dark frames during imaging session, learn how to guide using guidescope with hyperstar.

Learning & Curriculum Notes

• Study Focus (from curriculum): Lunar phases and navigating the sky
• Reading: OpenStax
• Practice: imaging and guiding
• Next Steps: Next month’s targets are M42 Orion Nebula and M45 Pleiades Star Cluster

Summary

• Total Imaging/Observing Time: 1.5 hours
• Best Result: A beautiful image of the Andromeda Galaxy
• Data Archived: All images backed up on my home Deep Storage Desktop External Hard Drive