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Uploaded 27-Feb-11
Taken 12-Feb-10
Visitors 84


18 of 27 photos
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Keywords:Galaxy, M51, Whirlpool
Photo Info

Dimensions3600 x 2400
Original file size7.33 MB
Image typeJPEG
Color spaceUncalibrated
Date taken12-Feb-10 21:36
Shooting Conditions

Camera makeCanon
Camera model40D Modified
ISO speedISO 1600
M51 The Whirlpool Galaxy

M51 The Whirlpool Galaxy

About this Object:
The Whirlpool Galaxy (also known as Messier 51a, M51a, or NGC 5194) is an interacting grand-design spiral galaxy located at a distance of approximately 31 million 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, and the two galaxies may even be seen with binoculars. 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.

About this Photo:
Date(s): February 12, 2010
Location: From my driveway in Georgetown, Texas
Telescope: Celestron C9.25 @ F10
Mount: HEQ-5
Guiding: Orion StarShoot AutoGuider / Taurus Tracker III
Camera: Canon 40D Modified
Filter: Astronomik CLS
Exposure: 5 x 10min + 7 x 5 min @ ISO1600 (85 Minutes total)
Acquisition: ImagesPlus 3.75 Camera Control
Processing: ImagesPlus 3.75 – Darks,Flats,Bias
Post-processing: Adobe Photoshop CS3; Gradient Exterminator; Noise Ninja; Noel Carboni's Tools;
Temperature(s): 32º F