Andromeda versus Triangulum
M31, M33

This large panorama (a 3x4 mosaic) presents an unusual view that confronts two of the largest galaxies (as seen from Earth) in the night sky: the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) and the Triangulum Galaxy (M33).

The Andromeda Galaxy (top left corner) is a spiral galaxy approximately 2,500,000 light-years away, in the constellation of the same name. The Triangulum Galaxy (bottom right corner) is also a spiral galaxy, at approximately 3 million light years distance in the constellation Triangulum. The bright star in the middle is Mirach, a red giant star about 470 times as luminous as the sun and approximately 200 light years away.

Between them, and invading the entire scene, the often very elusive galactic cirrus clouds can be seen.

Because of the large field of view required to capture these two galaxies in one image, there aren't many images, if any, presenting these two galaxies in the same composition. For that reason, the imager finds this image to be of unusual beauty as well as perhaps a bit thought provoking.

Text: Rogelio Andreo

Image: ©Rogelio Andreo