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Whirlpool Galaxy, Joshua Judkins

Whirlpool Galaxy

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Whirlpool Galaxy, Joshua Judkins

Whirlpool Galaxy

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Description

Target I focused on for several hours on Saturday morning Feb 17 was M51, the Whirlpool Galaxy. This galaxy is about 21 million light years away in the constellation Ursa Major, aka the Big Dipper. At its bright core lies lurks a blackhole that is actively consuming material. A mind boggler- this galaxy is estimated to be only about 1/3 the size of our own home, the Milky Way!

I had some serious issues with tracking and wind, but I'm overall quite happy with my first image of this stunning object.

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Whirlpool Galaxy, Joshua Judkins