M51 The Whirlpool Galaxy

M51, also known as the Whirlpool Galaxy, is a spiral galaxy located in the constellation Canes Venatici. It is approximately 23 million light-years away from Earth and has a diameter of about 100,000 light-years. The galaxy is named after its distinctive spiral arms that resemble a whirlpool.

 

M51 is a popular target for astronomers and amateur stargazers due to its brightness and proximity to Earth. It is also a prime example of a grand design spiral galaxy, with well-defined spiral arms that are thought to be caused by density waves in the galaxy's disk.

 

The Whirlpool Galaxy is also notable for its interaction with a smaller companion galaxy, NGC 5195. The two galaxies are connected by a bridge of gas and dust, and their gravitational interaction has caused a burst of star formation in the Whirlpool Galaxy's outer regions.

 

AQUISITION:

Telescope: SkyWatcher Esprit 120

Camera: QHY268MM

Filters: Astronomik Deep Sky LRGB-Ha

 

SUBFRAMES:

Lum: 236 x 120"

Red: 74 x 300"

Green: 60 x 300"

Blue: 60 x 300"

Hydrogen Alpha: 60 x 300"

 

Total exposure time: 39 hrs

Taken between March & May 2023

 

Done