Galaxy M51
M51 aka The Whirlpool Galaxy is an spiral galaxy that is estimated to be 23 light-years from the Milky Way Galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici. It is one of the most famous galaxies in the sky.
The galaxy and its companion (NGC 5195) are easily observed by amateur astronomers. The Whirlpool Galaxy is also a popular target for professional astronomers, who study it to further understand galaxy structure (particularly structure associated with the spiral arms) and galaxy interactions.
It was discovered on October 13, 1773 by Charles Messier and designated as M51. Its companion galaxy, NGC 5195, was discovered in 1781 by Pierre Méchain. It was however not until 1845 that the Whirlpool became the first to be recognized as a spiral. This was achieved by Lord Rosse.
Photo Details
Telescope: Orion CT8 Newton(900mm)
Camera: Sbig STL11000, Filter wheel, Baader 2" LRGB filters
Mount: Takahashi NJP
Guiding: Self-guided
Exposure: LRGB ????
When: April 2017
Other information: good transparency, good seeing, Tylmanowa
Photo Details
Telescope: Celestron C8N (1000mm)
Camera: Sbig ST-2000XM, Sbig Filter wheel, Baader 1.25" HLRGB filters
Mount: NJP Takahashi
Guiding: Self-guided
Exposure: L 20x600sec, R 5x480sec, G 5x480sec, B 5x480sec
When: Spring 2010 and 2014
Other information: very good transparency and seeing
Photo Details
Telescope: FSQ106EDX (530 mm) Takahashi
Camera: ST-8300M, Sbig Filter wheel, Baader 36mm round HLRGB filters
Mount: NJP Takahashi
Guiding: elf-guided, Orion ST80 with Orion SS Autoguider
Exposure: LRGB 4h L 14x480sek + 20x180sek, R 10x480sek, G 10x480sek, B 10x480sek
When: April/May 2012
Other information: good transparency, very ood seeing, taken from city of Tarnow