Andromeda Galaxy

Observation

The Andromeda Galaxy was observed in 964 by the Persian astronomer 'Abd Al-Rahman Al Sufi, who described it as a "small cloud".

Related Topics:
964 - Astronomer - 'Abd Al-Rahman Al Sufi

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The first description of the object based on telescopic observation was given by Simon Marius (1612), who is often wrongly credited as the discoverer of the Andromeda Galaxy.

Related Topics:
Simon Marius - 1612

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In 1885, a supernova (known as "S Andromedae") was seen in the Andromeda Galaxy, the first and so far only one observed in that galaxy.

Related Topics:
1885 - Supernova - S Andromedae

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The Andromeda Galaxy is easily visible to the naked eye in a truly dark sky; however, such a truly dark sky is available only in relatively few, isolated areas very far from population centers and sources of light pollution. It appears quite small to the eye because only the central part is bright enough to be visible, but the full angular diameter of the galaxy is seven times that of the full moon.

Related Topics:
Naked eye - Light pollution - Angular diameter

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