The Andromeda Galaxy (M31) is surrounded in space by several small satellite galaxies. From a broader perspective, Andromeda is part of the Local Group of galaxies, of which the Milky Way is a member. In addition, in the sky, gas clouds typical of our Milky Way appear as if they surround M31. This is similar to how water clouds in the Earth's atmosphere appear to surround the Moon. However, the gas clouds in Andromeda's direction are usually too faint to be seen.

The shared 45-degree wide image is one of the most comprehensive and detailed images of the Andromeda region ever obtained. Sensitive to the light emitted by hydrogen gas, this image reveals these faint and unusual clouds with incredible clarity. But this is not the only detail in the image. At the top of the image is the Triangle Galaxy (M33), the third largest galaxy in the Local Group and the most distant object visible to the naked eye. Just below M33 is the bright star Mirach, which belongs to the Milky Way. This image is a digital composite of several long-exposure photographs taken in Pulsnitz, Germany, between 2018 and 2021.

September 8, 2021 Astronomy Photo of the Day (NASA APOD)

Image Source & License: Stefan Ziegenbalg