Messier 51 (Whirlpool Galaxy)

Whirlpool galaxy

LRGB image

 

 

Target Information

  • ALTERNATIVE DESIGNATION(S):  M51, NGC 5194, Rosse’s Galaxy, Arp 85
  • TYPE:  spiral galaxy
  • CONSTELLATION:  Canes Venatici
  • DISTANCE:  37 million light years

Imaging Information

  • IMAGING DATE(S):  March 2009, April 2009
  • L:  10 min subs x 22, Bin 1×1
  • R:  10 min subs x 15, Bin 1×1
  • G:  10 min subs x 15, Bin 1×1
  • B:  10 min subs x 15, Bin 1×1
  • TOTAL EXPOSURE TIME:  670 mins =  11.2 hrs

Equipment

  • TELESCOPE:  Takahashi TOA-130F
  • MOUNT:  Software Bisque Paramount ME
  • CAMERA:  SBIG STL-11000XM
  • GUIDING:  TC-237 (internal autoguide chip)
  • FILTERS:  Astrodon
  • IMAGE ACQUISITION SOFTWARE:  TheSky6, CCDSoft, CCDAP4
  • PROCESSING SOFTWARE:  CCDStack, PixInsight