The Andromeda Galaxy, M31, is often disappointing to first time telescope viewers because they expect it to look similar to its picture which they have no doubt seen published many times. The truth is of course that film and CCDs have an advantage over our eyes in that they can accumulate light overtime. We can only see the light that is there at the moment we look. Still considering that the galaxy is some 17,036,302,000,000,000,000 miles away it amazing to me a telescope can bring in enough light for us to see anything at all.

I don't know what eyepiece you were using, but it should be a high quality low power wide angle one of 32mm or greater. A larger dob scope may bring out a little more detail, but probably not much.

You have a great scope for CCD or photography. The advantage of CCD is that it is more sensitive to light and can produce a lot of detail in only a few minutes of exposure.

If you are interested in using the 10inch LX200 for photography or CCD imaging check out the web site of Philip Perkins at http://www.astrocruise.com/.

Scott

• Re: Re: Andromeda in Meade LX200 - eddiec - January 15, 2001 - 10:59 UTC