M51 - Whirlpool Galaxy

  
 
 
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  • RA: 13:29.9
  • Dec: +47:12
  • Magnitude: 8.4
  • Distance: 37000 kly
  • Constellation:  Canes Venatici
  • Size:  11 x 7 arcmin
  • Scope: 8" SCT at f/10
  • Autoguider:  ST-4 in faint mode
  • Sky conditions:  average seeing and transparency
  • Camera: Hutech modified Canon 300D ISO1600
  • Exposure:  6 x 10minutes
  • Date:  April 16, 2007
Comments:  The famous Whirlpool galaxy M51 was one of Messier's original discoveries in 1773.  Its companion, NGC5195, was discovered in 1781 by Pierre Mechain.  M51 was the first galaxy where the spiral structure was discovered in 1845 by Lord Rosse.  According to present understanding, the pronounced spiral structure is a result of M51's current encounter with its neighbor.
This was the first real successful night of 2007. All the equipment worked well for a change. The operator did all right also. It was finally starting to warm up a bit with a low only in the mid 30s.