Great Andromeda Nebula


Who knows; it may not even be there anymore. One of those life forms may have long ago torched the whole she-bang. That's better than science fiction.

The "Great Andromeda Nebula," or M31 as it is "scientifically" known, is located at 00 hr. 42.7 min. Right Ascension, +41 deg. 16 min. Declination, just west of the Great Square of Pegasus. In dark skies, it is a small patch of fuzzy light. It's not a very impressive sight, but it is a very impressive thought.

The next time you look at it, keep in mind you are looking at something that is not only very, very far away, but a long, long time ago. What a grand thought that is...

For more information on the night sky, I recommend Guy Ottewell's Astronomical Calendar 2005, published by Universal Workshop and distributed by Sky Publishing Corp., 49 Bay State Road, Cambridge, MA 02138, U.S.A. Visit http://SkyandTelescope.com for more information on Guy Ottewell's Astronomical Calendar and other publications distributed by Sky Publishing Corp.

The copyright of the article Great Andromeda Nebula in Amateur Astronomy is owned by Gregg Pasterick. Permission to republish Great Andromeda Nebula in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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