M51 the Whirlpool Galaxy (Dave Erickson)

Celestial hemisphere: Northern · Constellation: Canes Venatici (CVn) · Contains: IC 4277 · IC 4278 · M 51 · NGC 5194 · NGC 5195 · Whirlpool Galaxy

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M51 the Whirlpool Galaxy

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M51 the Whirlpool Galaxy

Driving my 1300cc Datsun pickup was an adventure. The Datsun would add to the "traveler" adventure when it felt the urge and vapor lock. Like an old mule stop dead in its tracks, wanting to cool off and rest.

Back in the early 70’s I visited Barcroft White Mountain Research Center at 12,500’ elevation. Arriving in my Datsun, with camping gear and home made 8” F/8 reflector.

In the evening I set up the 8"er in a cinder block structure adjacent to the research buildings. An abandoned brick circle that once sported a dome, now long gone. During late twilight I pointed toward M51, a sight I’ll never forget. There was the easily discernible spiral structure of M51 Galaxy filling the eyepiece. The spiral arm connection between the two interacting galaxies prominent.

Discovered by Charles Messier in 1773, M51 is located 31 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Canes Venatici. This delightful face on spiral galaxy impacted by a collision with NGC 5195, the small, yellowish galaxy at the seemingly tugging on the arm of M51. Deeper images show the chaos of this collision as stars are seemingly smeared and scattered.

Things are different now, with a remote site, computer control, and the internet. Its far more complex, just as challenging, and every bit as rewarding. The advantage these days is sharing the results of this effort with a diverse group of enthusiasts.

This image was taken over several nights using a 6" F/6.45 Melior Apo, and a QHY 600 Pro with Astrodon RGB, Gain at 56 and offset at 64.

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Status	Advanced success
Started	...
Astrometry.net job	4415822
PixInsight job	PYVXEK6SBU2DKEN7O372DKVWZWITEXM0
PixInsight queue size	n/a
PixInsight stage	n/a

RA (center)	13h29m54s.383
RA (top/left)	13h28m32s.130
RA (top/right)	13h29m00s.934
RA (bottom/right)	13h31m15s.911
RA (bottom/left)	13h30m48s.425

Dec (center)	+47°12′32″.93
Dec (top/left)	+47°26′33″.63
Dec (top/right)	+46°55′00″.67
Dec (bottom/right)	+46°58′28″.72
Dec (bottom/left)	+47°30′03″.76

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M51 the Whirlpool Galaxy

M51 the Whirlpool Galaxy

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