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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 

 

 

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