Astrophotography by David Gares

Whirlpool Galaxy M51

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M51, the Whirlpool Galaxy, was the first galaxy discovered to exhibit a spiral structure.  Material appears to be flowing from M51 to its companion galaxy, NGC 5195.  This is believed to be caused by a close or grazing collision of the two galaxies.   Amazingly this object can be imaged in light-polluted skies with a nebula filter, and this view is better than I've ever seen it through the telescope.  But it doesn't compare to other images on the web.

 Whirlpool Galaxy M51
 (Click image to enlarge)

m51edgehdv4_2016.jpg
m51.jpg

 Object Details:  
 
 Type:  Spiral Galaxy
 Constellation:  Canes Venatici
 Distance:  37 million light-years
 Diameter:  100,000 light-years

 

 Image Details:
  
 Date:  7-Feb-2016 / 25-Apr-2009
 Site:  Harahan, LA
 Exposure:  126 min mono / 48 min color
 Filters:  IDAS LPS V4 48mm
 Processing:  MSB Astroart 6.0
 Telescope:  8" EdgeHD / C9.25
 Reducer:  f/7 (mono only)
 Image CCD:  SX H694 mono / H9C color
 Guide CCD:  SX  MX7C (1.88x Barlow)
 Guide Scope:  AT66ED, ScopeStuff TBSX

 

 

 

 Image Details:
  
 Date:  April 10, 2004
 Site:  Harahan, LA
 Exposure:  CCD, 10 x 5 min.
 Filters:  Orion SkyGlow LPR
 Processing:  MSB Astroart 3.0
 Telescope:  10" Meade LX200
 Reducer:  Meade, f/4.3
 CCD:  Starlight Express MX7C
 Autoguider:  S.T.A.R. 2000