Eyegloo Observatory

Messier 51 – “Whirlpool Galaxy”

m51web

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Object Information: The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) and its companion galaxy, NGC 5194 (Lower Left) are an interacting galactic pair located approximately 23 million light years from earth. It is believed that the enhanced spiral structure of M51 is caused by its gravitational interactions with its companion. This galaxy is located just above the last tail star of the big dipper and can be observed visually with a modest telescope.

Photograph Information:

Exposures: 20×300s Luminescence, 3×150s ea RGB Channel for a total of 1.5 hours of exposure time.

Telescope: Astrotech 6” F/9 Ritchey-Chrétien

Camera    : Meade DSI III PRO

Mount      : Orion Atlas

Guiding    : William Optics ZS66 with Meade DSI Pro I

Posted in Galaxies 3 months, 2 weeks ago at 2:50 am.

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