| "The sky is the ultimate art gallery just above us." - Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 82) |
Astrophotography by Jason Jennings |
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| Galaxies :: M51 - Whirlpool Galaxy | |
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| Resolutions Available: 800x600 : 1600x1200 | |
| Object | M51 - Whirlpool Galaxy |
| Comment |
The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) resides in the constellation Canes Venatici. Its grand spiral structure contains numerous pink hues of active HII regions. The complex spiral bands are believed to be caused by its close companion NGC5195 (M51b), located above M51 as seen in the image. The Whirlpool Galaxy is approximately 23 million light years distant. This image is a LLRGB composite. |
| Optics | Takahashi TOA-150 F/7 (1050mm FL) |
| Camera | SBIG ST10XME (NABG) - 1x1 bin (image scale: 1.33 arcsec/pix) |
| Mount | Paramount GT1100s |
| Exposure | Total exposure time: 3.4 hours (L:70min,R:45min,G:45min,B:45min) |
| Date | 02/04/2008 |