Newbie question - Viewing galaxies

"Jim" wrote in message
...
ag73 wrote:


Should I be using a filter for galaxy viewing?

Absolutely not. Galaxies emit light at all frequencies, so all a filter
will do is dim the galaxy.

Pete pretty much summed it up nicely - M31 is actually a rather
disappointing object, simply because it's too large.

I'd have a go at the M81/M82 pair - they're quite interesting.

Jim

Unless you're under light polluted skies like many of us, in which case an
LPR (Light Pollution Reducing) filter will make a big difference. These can
put a blue or green hue on things but it does enhance the contrast somewhat.
Good ones (I use an Astronomik CLS filter as it's quite aggressive, I live
under a Mag 1 sky!) start at about £50 I believe...

Tony