Stunning Image Captures Andromeda Galaxy's Intricate Spiral Arms

400 hours of exposure time reveals the star-forming regions and dense structure of our nearest major galactic neighbor.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 8:41am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Astrophotographer Imran Badr has captured a breathtaking image of the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), our nearest major galactic neighbor, showcasing its star-forming regions and intricate spiral arms in stunning detail. The image represents a total of 400 hours of exposure time, including exposures in Hα, SII, and OIII filters, taken using a combination of a 2.4-inch refractor and 5-inch reflector telescopes.

Why it matters

The Andromeda Galaxy is the closest major galaxy to the Milky Way, and studying its structure and evolution can provide valuable insights into the formation and development of galaxies in general. This detailed image offers a rare and intimate look at the complex, knotty nature of Andromeda's spiral arms, which are sites of active star formation.

The details

Badr's image reveals the Andromeda Galaxy's star-forming regions glowing in hydrogen gas and tracing out its dense spiral arms. The total exposure time of 400 hours, including 215.6 hours in the Hα filter, 46.6 hours in the SII filter, and 32.8 hours in the OIII filter, has allowed for an unprecedented level of detail to be captured.

  • The image was taken from San Jose, California.

The players

Imran Badr

An astrophotographer who captured the stunning image of the Andromeda Galaxy.

Andromeda Galaxy (M31)

The nearest major galaxy to the Milky Way, located approximately 2.5 million light-years away from Earth.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This remarkable image of the Andromeda Galaxy showcases the power of long-exposure astrophotography to reveal the intricate details and complex structure of our nearest major galactic neighbor, providing valuable insights into the formation and evolution of galaxies in the universe.