2007-12-24 01:54:54 · 5 answers · asked by Jansen J 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
It depends upon what you want to look for. If you want to see M-31 and it's two nearby companions in one view, a wide-field eyepiece that gives about 20 or 30X would be perfect. However, higher magnifications let you take a closer look at M-31's star like nucleus, dust lanes and even a massive star cloud in it's southwestern end. High powers are useful to inspect M-32 and M-110 closely, and to locate M-31's brighter globular clusters. Even novae can be seen from Earth using amateur's telescopes. Remember that M-31 is more than 4 degrees long and much of the disk has a low surface brightness. Therefore, dark sites and clear skies are key to seeing many of M-31's features.
2007-12-24 02:39:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
The Andromeda Galaxy has an apparent size that is about 10x the size of the moon. But it is very distant and dim. You do not need very much magnification, but you will need 1) to go to a very dark site, and 2) as much aperture as you can manage.
2007-12-24 10:08:41 · answer #2 · answered by n2s.astronomy 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Moderate binocular magnification, in short. A telescope will generally only show the core because of the narrow field. To get a true picture of its extent, binoculars. I don't use one, but a short-focus, wide-field scope might work well at low power.
2007-12-24 17:40:16 · answer #3 · answered by Choose a bloody best answer. It's not hard. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My favourite views of Andromeda are at low magnifications, with a wide enough field to include M32 and M110. Usually this means 60x or less with a wide-field eyepiece.
2007-12-24 11:10:57 · answer #4 · answered by GeoffG 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My best views of M31 have been through binoculars. With anything else it tends to look like dark sky, fuzzy light, dark sky as you sweep past it.
2007-12-24 10:21:36 · answer #5 · answered by Larry454 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋