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Finding Andromeda
Hi Caleb,
80mm aperture is certainly enough to see Andromeda mate.
The trick is to avoid those bright lights in the north you describe. From a good to very good sky it is naked eye.
Make sure you use the lowest possible power (magnification) because M31 is very, very, very big and most of it has very low surface brightness. If you have binocs, it might be best to find it in the binocs first. Use the attached chart. It is a "true" chart looking north. South is up and west is to the left.
Locate the Great Square of Pegasus first and work you way to Andromeda from that. You will see a line from Beta drawn through Mu Andromedae points straight at it.
Best of luck and let us know how you go.
Best,
Les D
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