M51 Whirlpool Galaxy
Designation
Location
- Date - Time
Object
Type
Coordinates
Exposure
Camera
Optics
Mount
Software
Conditions
Description
Galaxies
RA 13:
29.9 (h:m Dec: 47 degrees 12"
20 X 6
minute frames with 30 flats and darks ISO
1600.
Canon
350D modified by Hap.
Orion
Atlas mount Guided with Astro IIDC through Meade
SN-6" with I.S. DMK 21AF04.AS
Nebulosity
for capture and stacking, Photoshop CS2 for post
processing
Transparency
, Seeing , Temperature +35 °F
The
Whirlpool Galaxy was discovered by Charles
Messier on October 13, 1773. Its companion
galaxy, NGC 5195, was discovered in 1781 by
Pierre Méchain. It was however not until 1845
that the Whirlpool became the first galaxy to be
recognized as a spiral.
Located within the constellation Canes Venatici, M51 is easy to find by following the easternmost star of the Big Dipper, Eta Ursae Majoris, and going 3.5° southeast. M51 is visible through binoculars on a dark night, but with modern amateur telescopes this galaxy is truly a sight to behold. It is very forgiving on the instrument, when seen even through a humble 10 cm telescope the basic outlines of M51 and its companion are visible. Under dark skies and seen with a moderate eyepiece through a 15 cm telescope one can detect M51's intrinsic spiral structure.
Located within the constellation Canes Venatici, M51 is easy to find by following the easternmost star of the Big Dipper, Eta Ursae Majoris, and going 3.5° southeast. M51 is visible through binoculars on a dark night, but with modern amateur telescopes this galaxy is truly a sight to behold. It is very forgiving on the instrument, when seen even through a humble 10 cm telescope the basic outlines of M51 and its companion are visible. Under dark skies and seen with a moderate eyepiece through a 15 cm telescope one can detect M51's intrinsic spiral structure.
Orion
80ED, WO 0.8 FR, with Astronomik CLS
Filter
Massapoag
Pond Observatory Lunenburg, MA - April 2nd 2008 @
10:00 PM EST
Notes
M51
Whirlpool Galaxies
