Copyright © 2007 Larry Phillips
M51, Whirlpool Galaxy, in the constellation Canes Vanetici
Spiral Galaxy Cataloged as NGC 5194
This galaxy was the first one where spiral structure was discovered, in 1845 by Lord Rosse. Therefore, M51 is sometimes referenced as Rosse's Galaxy or Lord Rosse's "Question Mark". The pronounced spiral structure is a result of M51's current encounter with its neighbor, NGC 5195. Due to this interaction, the gas in the galaxy was disturbed and compressed in some regions, resulting in the formation of new young stars.
Distance: Estimated at 37 million light years
Camera: SBIG ST-2000XM
Telescope: Astrophysics Starfire 130 EDT F8
Mount: Losmandy G11 with Gemini Control with Advanced Telescope Systems
portable pier
Images: 5 luminance @ 5 minutes each, 5 Red @ 5 minutes each, 5 Green
@ 5 minutes each, 5 Blue @ 5 minutes each
Date: April 2007
Software: Camera and guider control - CCDSoft, Calibration and stacking - CCDStack,
Creation of color image - Photoshop CS2