Welsh Newbie

[Julian Hands]

All setup and can't wait for tonight's clear skies, been nearly 3 weeks of overcast skies every night, I really want to see Andromeda M31 tonight and really hoping with my 25mm BST eyepiece, I'll get a glimpse of that smudge in the sky?

[mister_wavey]

Start early: Andromeda is sinking lower as the evening wears on, plus the 92% Moon is out at 9ish this evening. Also be aware that in the eyepiece, m31 can be underwhelming: only a small core can be seen, looking nothing like the glorious photos you will have seen. Binoculars (or finders) can actually give better views of m31 because more of the overall size can be seen.

However, DO seek it out, it is a humbling experience to see our nearest galactic showpiece so clearly. Also try for naked eye!