Andromeda Galaxy
spiral galaxy · Andromeda · 3.4ᵐ
The Andromeda Galaxy — the largest in the Local Group and the most distant object visible to the naked eye at 2.5 million light years. It is approaching us and will collide with the Milky Way in about 4.5 billion years.
Notable facts
About 6.1 times the width of the full Moon in the sky.
In brief
Which constellation is Andromeda Galaxy in?
Andromeda Galaxy lies in Andromeda.
Is Andromeda Galaxy visible to the naked eye?
3.4ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies).
When is the best time to observe Andromeda Galaxy?
Best observed in September.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 0h 43m · +41° 16′
- Type
- spiral galaxy
- Constellation
- Andromeda
- How to observe
- 3.4ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies)
- Angular size
- 190×60′
- Designation
- M31 · NGC 224 · Andromeda
Observing tip
Get away from city light pollution — it washes out the faint glow of galaxies first.
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 71° · never sets | — |
| +55° | 76° · never sets | — |
| +45° | 86° | 21° |
| +30° | 79° | 40° |
| 0° | 49° | 49° |
| −35° | 14° | 36° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 16:57 |
| February | 14:50 |
| March | 13:05 |
| April | 11:11 |
| May | 09:17 |
| June | 07:11 |
| July | 05:07 |
| August | 03:06 |
| September | 01:13 |
| October | 23:24 |
| November | 21:23 |
| December | 19:15 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.