M51 Spiral Galaxy in Canes Venatici (LRGB)
The spectacular spiral galaxy in this image is one of the sky's most prominent deep space objects. This galaxy, known as the Whirlpool galaxy, is known more formally as M51 or NGC 5194 and lies approximately 37 million light years from our solar system in the direction of the northern constellation Canes Venatici. M51's pronounced spiral structure is thought to be a direct result of the interaction of the large primary galaxy with a dwarf galaxy (NGC 5195) that results in the creation of very active and numerous star formation regions. As gravitational interactions between NGC 5194 and NGC 5195 continue, areas of disturbed and compressed gasses will result in more active star formation regions throughout the galaxy's sprawling spiral arms. Click on the link at the bottom of this page to read Rob Gendler's excellent description of the Whirlpool Galaxy, M51 and to view a close-up image of M51.
Image Details
| Target: | M51 (NGC 5194) and Dwarf Galaxy (NGC 5195) |
| Coordinates (Center - J2000): | RA 13h 29m 53s ; Dec +47d 11m 44s |
| Date: | 09 March, 30 April, 01 May, 02 May 2008 |
| Constellation: | Canes Venatici |
| Imaging Location: | Chiefland, Florida |
| Camera: | SBIG ST-8XME & CFW-10 Color Filter Wheel |
| Filters: | Astrodon Series E Tru-Balance LRGB |
| Telescope: | Takahashi TSA-102S 4" APO Triplet f/8 (FL = 814mm) |
| Mount: | Takahashi EM-200 Temma II GEM (12 VDC) |
| Image Scale: | 2.28 arcseconds per pixel |
| CCD Temperature: | -10 C, -15 C, -20 C |
| L:R:G:B Exposures: | 130:90:90:90 minutes (L=13x600s / RGB=9x600s each) |
| Mount Control Software: | The Sky 6.0.0.58 |
| Camera Control Software: | CCDSoft 5.00.186 |
| Focus Control Software: | FocusMax 3.3.15 |
| Executive Control Software: | CCD Commander 1.4.5 |
| Sub-frame Registration Software: | Registar |
| Calibration and Combining Software: | CCDStack |
| Final Processing Software: | Photoshop CS |
Additional Information
Description of M51 (By Rob Gendler): http://www.robgendlerastropics.com/M51text.html
Close-up of M51 (Upsized 125%): m51-lrgb-05032008-close.jpg
