M51 - Whirlpool Galaxy - Chuck Novice

Posted: Apr 22nd, 2025

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NGC

Technical Info

Telescope/Lens: Sky-Watcher 200/1000PDS

Camera: Canon 6d

Mount: HEQ5 Pro

Software: Pixinsight, Photoshop

Accessories: TS-Optics Superflat GPU

Exposure:

45 x 150" ISO/Gain: 640 - Filter Antlia Quad Band Anti-Light Pollution

Green zoneLight Pollution:

Gers, France

Apr 13th, 2024

1 h 53 m

620

Constellation: Hounds
Type of object: Spiral galaxy
Distance: 23 million light-years
Magnitude: 8.4
Discovered in : October 13, 1773, by Charles Messier

Fun Facts !
While M51a and M51b are currently engaged in a violent gravitational interaction, the smaller galaxy M51b (or NGC 5195) is undergoing tidal forces that are disrupting its shape and causing new stars to form.

NGC 5195 also influences M51, leading to the formation of spiral arms, which is what makes this pair of galaxies so unique.

Resolution: 7200x4694 px

Scale: 5804 KB