Star watchers - if Andromeda were brighter

[pdq]

I think the difference is that the fuzzy star in your picture (which is great, BTW) is just the galactic center of Andromeda. The full galaxy spreads out on either side, but you need super dark skies (or use more sensitive, B+W peripheral vision) to see any of that with your eyes.

(I love the simulated photo, BTW. Looks like you could just hop on over there.)