M 51 - Whirlpool Galaxy
M 51 - Whirlpool Galaxy
M51, also known as the Whirlpool Galaxy (NGC 5194), is a well-known spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici. It lies at a distance of approximately 23 million light-years from Earth and has a diameter of about 76,000 light-years.
The galaxy forms an interacting system with its smaller companion, NGC 5195. Gravitational interactions have enhanced M51’s spiral structure, making its arms particularly prominent. Gas and dust clouds are compressed by these interactions, triggering localized regions of star formation.
M51 is considered a classic example of a grand-design spiral galaxy, whose structure is accentuated by the gravitational influence of a companion, demonstrating how interactions can shape the morphology of galaxies.
Shooting Data
| Object | M 51 (NGC 5194) |
| Name | Whirlpool Galaxy |
| Object Type | Grand Design Spiral Galaxy |
| Constellation | Canes Venatici |
| Distance | Approx. 23 million light-years |
| Diameter | Approx. 76,000 light-years |
| Recording Date | March 2025 |
| Recording Location | Garden Observatory Rödermark |
| Telescope | Omegon Ritchey-Chretien Pro RC 203/1624 OTA |
| Focal Length | 1100 mm |
| Corrector/Reducer | TS Optics 2"-Reducer 0,67x for RC-Telescope |
| Mount | ZWO AM5 N Harmonic Equatorial Drive |
| Camera | ZWO ASI 2600 MC Pro Color |
| Control | ZWO Asiair Plus 256GB |
| Guiding Camera | ZWO ASI 220 MM Mini Mono |
| Filters | Optolong L-Pro |
| Exposure Time | 11h 15 min |
| Calibration | Darks, Flats, Darkflats |
| Image Processing | PixInsight, Adobe Photoshop |
