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Sky-Tonight.com / Andromeda Galaxy (M31) / How to find Andromeda Galaxy (M31)

How to find Andromeda Galaxy (M31)

This guide starts with a large pattern that is easy to recognize without a telescope. Choose the route whose sky landmark is easiest to recognize from your location.

Follow the route from one recognizable star to the next until you reach Andromeda Galaxy (M31).

Andromeda Galaxy (M31) is 36° above the horizon toward the Northeast.

View the current position and visibility tonight

How to find M31 from Pegasus

First identify the Great Square of Pegasus. Start at Alpheratz, its north-eastern corner, follow the Andromeda star chain to Mirach, and then continue toward Andromeda Galaxy (M31).

1

Alpheratz

Use the constellation outline drawn on the overview to identify Alpheratz. Then center it in the finder or a low-power eyepiece.

3

M31

From Mirach, move about 7.7° toward the north-west until you reach M31. This is the target field.

How to find M31 from Pegasus

How to find M31 from Cassiopeia

First identify the distinctive W shape of Cassiopeia. Start at Schedar near the middle of the W, then look away from the W toward Andromeda and Andromeda Galaxy (M31).

1

Schedar

Use the constellation outline drawn on the overview to identify Schedar. Then center it in the finder or a low-power eyepiece.

2

M31

From Schedar, move about 15.3° toward the south until you reach M31. This is the target field.

How to find M31 from Cassiopeia

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How to Find the Andromeda Galaxy

You can locate Andromeda in the autumn and winter skies of the Northern Hemisphere. Find the W-shaped constellation Cassiopeia, which points downward toward Andromeda. The star Schedar (α Cassiopeiae) marks the lower tip of this deep V (↓) shape. From Schedar, follow the direction of the V downward toward the bright star Mirach (β Andromedae) in the constellation Andromeda. The galaxy lies slightly above and to the left of Mirach, appearing as a faint, misty oval under dark skies. It’s best observed on moonless nights far from city lights.