Whirlpool Galaxy M51
A better image of Whirlpool Galaxy (Messier 51, also known as NGC 5194). Ten 1 minute exposures stacked and summed. This is one of the prettiest galaxies out there; being seen face-on, the spiral arms are well defined and symmetrical. It’s also an interacting pair, with the main galaxy in the process of devouring the smaller one (known as M51B or NGC 5195). The little fuzzy blob on the left is another galaxy IC 4283.
[Takahashi 150mm APO at f/7.3 with SBIG ST-8300C 8.3 megapixel color CCD @ New Mexico]
Compare with previous image of M51 taken with a different scope.
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