Q&A for How to Find the Andromeda Galaxy

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  • Question
    Can I see it from Egypt?
    Community Answer
    You should be able to see it in Egypt, but it may be easier to see it in the northern parts of the country than in the southern areas.
  • Question
    Can Andromeda be seen from India?
    Top Answerer
    Yes. It can be seen from anywhere in the northern hemisphere.
  • Question
    How do I find the Dumbbell Nebula?
    Top Answerer
    Find the three stars that make up the Summer Triangle: Deneb, Altair and Vega. The Dumbbell Nebula is in the center of the triangle.
  • Question
    Can I still find the galaxy in the fall/wintertime if I live in the Northern Hemisphere?
    Top Answerer
    Yes, if you're far enough north. If your latitude is greater than 42 degrees north, the Andromeda galaxy is circumpolar - it goes around the sky in a circle, but never gets low enough to set below the horizon.
  • Question
    Has anyone ever calculated the real-time (actual) rather than the observed position of stellar bodies?
    Community Answer
    Absolutely. All of the known and documented have the actual position documented as well.
  • Question
    Why can't I find this? I'm using really good binoculars and I'm looking in the exact spot. I can see every faint star but not the actual galaxy.
    Community Answer
    You need a sufficiently dark sky to see Andromeda. If you have too much light pollution it will be washed out.
  • Question
    So. In Peru is it visible to see the Andromeda and Milky Way?
    Top Answerer
    It should be possible, but only at the right time of year, and even then, it will be very close to the horizon. In order to see it, you'll need to find a place with absolutely no obstructions on the northern horizon.
  • Question
    How do I find Canavis Majoris in the night sky?
    Community Answer
    Unfortunately there is no "Canavis Majoris." However there is Canis Major. It depends on where you are in the world as to when you will be able to see it in the year. A night calendar guide relevant to your area will also depict the lines and names and direction to look in the sky to find the constellation you are looking for.
  • Question
    I would like to know the exact angular direction, for example, 35 degrees north of east, north of west etc. and the elevation angle. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    You can use the Great Square of Pegasus. Second, you can use the constellation Cassiopeia. Use the Great Square of Pegasus to find the Andromeda Galaxy. A line between Mirach and Mu Andromedae points to the galaxy.
  • Question
    If you have few stars in the sky, is it harder to find or easier to see the Andromeda Galaxy?
    Community Answer
    If you can't see many stars in the sky, you may have too much light pollution to see the Andromeda Galaxy. Try to find a darker area. Since the best way to find it is by using other constellations, you should make sure you can see many stars in the sky.
  • Question
    What is the right time to look at Andromeda galaxy if I am in Malaysia?
    Joseph Larson
    Community Answer
    According to this article, any particularly dark night, well away from city lights, in September or October.
  • Question
    What can I expect to see in the Andromeda galaxy with a 3-inch reflecting telescope?
    Top Answerer
    If you have a decent dark site, you can expect to see the galactic core (which looks like a dot) and maybe the spiral arms (which will appear as a fuzzy patch around the dot). If you're lucky, you may be able to see Andromeda's companion galaxies, M32 and M110, which will be two dim dots near the main dot.
  • Question
    Can I see it if I'm in the Philippines?
    Community Answer
    The Philippines is north of the equator, so you should be able to see it from most places without too much difficulty.
  • Question
    Is it possible to view it from California?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but the farther away from light pollution the better. It's also easier to see in the northern parts of the state. Check a free star chart online to see exactly where to look, as it varies depending on the season.
  • Question
    Can I find it in Iraq?
    Top Answerer
    Yes, you can view it from anywhere in the northern hemisphere. From Iraq, it should be about 25 degrees to the north of the zenith (directly upward) point.
  • Question
    Would you be able to see it in an area with only moderate light pollution?
    Top Answerer
    Yes. I can see it from in Wakefield, England, where there is some pretty decent light pollution. However, you will need to use averted vision (look at it out of the corner of your eye), and even then, you will have to strain to see it. If you're lucky, you may be able to make out a smudge that is slightly brighter than the background. That's Andromeda.
  • Question
    What is the Andromeda galaxy?
    Top Answerer
    It is a spiral galaxy, a large collection of stars, gas and other celestial matter bound together by gravity.
  • Question
    Can I see Andromeda in the UK?
    Top Answerer
    Yes, most definitely. Andromeda is technically circumpolar in the UK, meaning that you can see it at any time of year (provided that you have an unobstructed horizon).
  • Question
    From where is the best country to see Andromeda?
    Top Answerer
    Ideally, Greenland or Canada. Somewhere north, with lots of empty wilderness so there is very little light pollution.
  • Question
    Can you see it in the United States?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you should be able to see the Andromeda Galaxy throughout the United States.
  • Question
    Can I see it from the western united states?
    Top Answerer
    Yes, the Andromeda galaxy is visible at one time or another from anywhere on Earth.
  • Question
    I live in the Northeast of U.S. and we see a reddishyellow "star" starting in the west and moving to the east. Can anyone tell me what this is? It is fascinating to watch every night! thank you.
    Top Answerer
    If it's moving from west to east, it's likely an airplane. If it happens every night, it's a scheduled airline. If the light is reddish-yellow and non-blinking, it's more of a mystery.
  • Question
    If I can see it through my naked eyes, why can't I see with my refractor telescope?
    Top Answerer
    If you can see it without a telescope, you can certainly see it with one, assuming you're pointing it at the right spot.
  • Question
    What is the best time to see Andromeda galaxy from India? Can I view the nucleus and companion galaxies with a 5-inch reflector?
    Maura Behan
    Community Answer
    The best time to see the Andromeda galaxy from India is during the months of October to December, when it is high in the sky and most visible. You can look for it in the constellation Andromeda, which is best seen in the northern sky during these months. With a 5-inch reflector telescope, you should be able to view the Andromeda galaxy (M31) as a bright, elongated smudge. Viewing the nucleus is possible as a brighter central region. However, seeing its companion galaxies, M32 and M110, may be more challenging and will depend on the viewing conditions and light pollution in your area.
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