M51, the Whirlpool Galaxy

Posted by HrAstro

M51, the Whirlpool Galaxy

Other avalible sizes of this photograph:
1024 x 683 px
1680 x 1120 px

Equipment and other photo info:
Picture taken on June 7th, 2010.
Location: Petrova gora, Croatia, Europe
Celestron C10N @ f/4.7, Baader MPCC, QHY8, TS OAG9mm, QHY5 guiding camera
Exposure time: 15x8min
Mount: EQ6 Vis upgreded to EQ6 SynScan

Processing software: DeepSkyStacker, PixInsight 1.0, Photoshop CS2

Object info:
The Whirlpool Galaxy (also known as Messier 51a, M51a, or NGC 5194) is an interacting grand-design spiral galaxy located at a distance of approximately 23 million light-years in the constellation Canes Venatici. It is one of the most famous galaxies in the sky. The galaxy and its companion (NGC 5195) are easily observed by amateur astronomers, and the two galaxies may even be seen with binoculars. The Whirlpool Galaxy is also a popular target for professional astronomers, who study it to further understanding of galaxy structure (particularly structure associated with the spiral arms) and galaxy interactions.

More information about this object at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whirlpool_Galaxy

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