M51 Wirlpool Galaxy
M51 Wirlpool Galaxy
M51 Wirlpool Galaxy In the constellation Canes Venatici is approximately 25 million light years. Another interacting galaxy in the image is NGC5195. M51’s spiral structure was caused by NGC 5195 passing through the main disk of M51 about 500 to 600 million years ago. The galaxy and NGC5195 its companion galaxy are easily observed by amateur astronomers.The two galaxies may even be seen with binoculars. Supernova Sn2011dh was recently discovered visually by Tom Reiland of Glenshaw Pa. Sn2011dh 2 other supernovas were also discovered in this galaxy, one in 2005 and another in 1994.
Crop NGC5195
Crop Galaxy Core
M51 15min Luminance Subframes 15 x 32 = 480min combined image
M51 15min Red Subframes 15 x 15 = 225min combined image
M51 15min Ha Subframes 15 x 24 = 360min combined image
M51 15min Green Subframes 15 x 14 = 210min combined image
M51 15min Blue Subframes 15 x 14 = 210min combined image
Scope Planewave 17in
Camera Apogee U16
Mount Paramount ME
Filters Astrodon LRGB Ha5nm
Exposures RGB 3.5Hrs each L 8Hrs Ha 6hrs Ha 20min subs LRGB 15min subs
Location Sierra Nevada Mountains CA. Heavens Mirror Observatory SRO 2012