Get Andromeda in your sights
Make sure you're equipped for the very best views of our nearest spiral, also known as Messier 31
You’ll need: ✔ A dark observing site ✔ Our finder charts ✔ A pair of binoculars (optional) ✔ A small telescope (optional)
1 Get dark adapted
It’s important to let your eyes adapt properly. Messier 31’s light is spread over a wide area and any light pollution or moonlight will hide it from view.
2 Find Cassiopeia
First find Cassiopeia, a W-shaped constellation high in the Northern Hemisphere sky. Then locate the upside-down ‘Y’ of Perseus directly by it.
3 Use star hopping
Starting at Mirfak, the central star in Perseus, slowly ‘star hop’ two stars along to the right to Mirach in Andromeda.
4 Seek a smudge
Look for an elongated smudge of light a short distance from Mirach. This is Messier 31. Use averted vision if you don’t see it right away.
5 Use binoculars
Use binoculars if you can’t see Messier 31 with just your eyes. You will see it as a distinct ovalshaped blur that’s grey-white in colour.
6 Upgrade to a small telescope
Through a small telescope Messier 31 will look much brighter. You might even see one or both of its small satellite galaxies, Messier 32 and Messier 110.
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