The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)

Whirlpool Galaxy is a spiral galaxy located approximately 30 million light years away in the constellation Canes Venatici.

M51 - The Whirlpool Galaxy is a spiral galaxy located approximately 30 million light years away in the constellation Canes Venatici. Behind the the Whirlpool Galaxy lies NGC5195, a dwarf galaxy that is directly interacting with M51. If you were to look in the night sky, this object would be located off from the star that forms the tip of the handle of the big dipper.

Photo Details

Credit: Will Jackson, Kevin Bartee
Date Captured: Sat, 04/10/2010
Exposure: 155 minutes
Telescope: Meade 14" LX200-ACF 3556mm f/10
Guide Scope: 110mm William Optics Refractor
Image Info: 31x5min @ iso800, 10 darks, 30 flats, 30 bias
Software Used: Focusing-Nebulosity, Image Acquisition-ImagePlus CC 3.5, Guiding-PHD, Processing- ImagePlus 3.5 and Photoshop CS3