Celestial hemisphere:  Northern  ·  Constellation: Canes Venatici (CVn)  ·  Contains:  IC 4277  ·  IC 4278  ·  M 51  ·  NGC 5194  ·  NGC 5195  ·  Whirlpool Galaxy
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Galactic pas de deux, Gerould Kern
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Galactic pas de deux

Getting plate-solving status, please wait...
Galactic pas de deux, Gerould Kern
Powered byPixInsight

Galactic pas de deux

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Description

M51 and NGC 5195 are engaged in a dance of sorts on a galactic scale. NGC 5195  is passing behind the larger M51 from our perspective, and gravity is distorting the smaller galaxy. The pair is so fascinating that it warrants exploration every year. This time I was able to capture more of the tidal wake around NGC 5195 than I have in previous attempts. Revealing this halo is very tricky, and some astrophotographers are masters at capturing it.  Each year brings progress, and hopeful next year there will be more.

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Galactic pas de deux, Gerould Kern