A stunning new photograph of the Andromeda Galaxy has unveiled the vast, glowing gases that surround this majestic spiral system. Captured by Miguel Claro, a professional astrophotographer and science communicator, the image highlights both the beauty and complexity of M31, as seen from the Dark Sky Alqueva Observatory in Cumeada, Portugal.
Five Years In The Making: A Return To Andromeda
Claro’s journey with the Andromeda Galaxy began in 2020, when he first attempted to photograph the region with a DSLR camera.
His latest image represents a renewed effort, inspired in part by the discovery of an oxygen-III (OIII) emission arc by Strottner-Drechsler-Sainty.
In pursuit of greater detail, Claro returned to M31 with a different approach—using a rotated framing to guide the viewer’s eye and enhance the composition while preserving the natural brightness of the galaxy’s core.
At approximately 220,000 light-years across, Andromeda is the largest galaxy in the Local Group, which includes our own Milky Way, the Triangulum Galaxy, and around 30 smaller galaxies.
Claro’s artistic yet scientifically rich image serves not only as a visual marvel but also as a window into this colossal celestial structure.
Capturing Faint Galactic Features With Ha-OIII Imaging
The image is the result of roughly 80 hours of exposure using a dual-band filter that isolates hydrogen-alpha (Ha) and oxygen-III (OIII) emissions. This technique reveals the faint, colorful ionized hydrogen gas in which Andromeda appears submerged.
The strong Ha emission visible throughout the galaxy’s structure emphasizes active regions, while subtle OIII signals—though too faint in this instance to define the newly discovered arc—hint at deeper complexities.
Despite the photographer’s best efforts and the use of advanced One Shot Color (OSC) camera systems, the OIII arc lacked sufficient clarity to be included in the final rendering.
Nonetheless, some of the OIII data within the galaxy’s arms may suggest the presence of multiple planetary nebulae.
The Milky Way’s Presence In The Foreground
The glowing clouds that dominate parts of the foreground actually belong to our own Milky Way Galaxy.
The surrounding bright, colorful stars are also members of our galactic neighborhood.
The spiral arms of Andromeda, typically visible in standard optical wavelengths, present a ring-like appearance when observed in ultraviolet light—a shape thought to have formed due to a collision with the smaller elliptical galaxy M32 over 200 million years ago.
Claro’s work not only enhances visual appreciation of deep-sky objects but also brings to light ongoing scientific inquiries into the structure and history of galaxies.
His role as a European Southern Observatory Photo Ambassador and a member of The World At Night underscores a commitment to merging artistic vision with astronomical precision.
A Visual Tribute To Cosmic Complexity
Captured under pristine skies at the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve, the photograph is a product of persistence, collaboration, and a clear passion for celestial storytelling.
With assistance from fellow astrophotographer Yann Saint, Claro made the difficult decision to exclude incomplete data while still presenting an image rich in scientific and aesthetic value.