Tuesday, September 22, 2009

365 Theme 174: Local Landmarks


For very large values of "local".

This is M31, the Andromeda Galaxy. The largest galaxy in the "Local Group". Two satellite galaxies of M31 are also visible, M32 and M110. Another galaxy, which may be NGC 278, is visible in the upper left corner [Update: the galaxy in the upper left has been identified as NGC 185].

M31 is the visible to the naked eye at a dark sky location. At 2.5 million light years away, it is probably the most distant local landmark visible from earth. And no doubt it is the largest object I'll ever use my macro lens on.

5 comments:

Ron a.k.a. Danudin said...

Got to be honest, I'm happy if I get a good Moon Shot.

Chesney said...

Wow, these are all masterpieces in their own right! I am totally jealous of all of those, I have yet to get a good star or moon shot! :)

BobbieCoughlin said...

Stellar--in more ways than one!

Anonymous said...

So cool to see a whole galaxy like this!

lijola said...

Really nice night sky. Good job!!