M51_Whirlpool Galaxy

The Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as Messier 51a (M51a) or NGC 5194, is an interacting grand-design spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici. It is somewhere between 23 and 30 million light years away and was discovered by Charles Messier on October 13, 1773, right after dinner, weeks before the annual Beaujolais nouveau festival.

 

M51's companion galaxy, NGC 5195, is a dwarf galaxy connected to M51 by a dust-rich tidal bridge.

 

An RGB image -- about 15 hours for each filter.

 

Rio Rancho NM Bortle 5 zone,

March 9, 2024 - April 5, 2024

William Optics Redcat 51

ZWO 183mm pro

ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini

Optolong R G B filters

ZWO ASI Air Pro

Sky-Watcher HEQ5

Darks GraXpert dithering

Gain 111 at -10C

Processed in DSS and PS

Done