The Whirlpool Galaxy (also known as Messier 51a, M51a, or NGC 5194) is an interacting grand-design spiral galaxy with a Seyfert 2 active galactic nucleus in the constellation Canes Venatici. Recently it was estimated to be 23 ± 4 million light-years from the Milky Way, but different methods yield distances between 15 and 35 million ly. Messier 51 is one of the best known galaxies in the sky. The galaxy and its companion (NGC 5195) are easily observed by amateur astronomers, and the two galaxies may even be seen with binoculars. The Whirlpool Galaxy is also a popular target for professional astronomers, who study it to further understand galaxy structure (particularly structure associated with the spiral arms) and galaxy interactions.
In 2005 a supernova (SN 2005cs) was observed in the Whirlpool Galaxy, peaking at apparent magnitude14.
On 31 May 2011 a type II supernova, was detected in the Whirlpool Galaxy, peaking at magnitude 12.1. This supernova, designated SN 2011dh, showed a spectrum much bluer than average, with P Cygni like characteristics in its hydrogen-Balmer lines. Interestingly, the progenitor was probably a yellow supergiant and not a red or blue supergiant, which is unusual.

Imaging telescopes or lenses: Planewave 12.5 ” CDK Dell Kirkham Astrograph
Imaging cameras: SBIG STXL 6303
Mounts: Paramount PME
Software: Startools
Filters: Astrodon Blue, Astrodon Green, Astrodon Red, Astrodon Luminance
Dates: May 16, 2014, May 22, 2014, May 26, 2014, May 27, 2014
Frames:
Astrodon Blue: 5×300″ bin 1×1
Astrodon Green: 5×300″ bin 1×1
Astrodon Luminance: 16×300″ bin 1×1
Astrodon Red: 5×300″ bin 1×1
Integration: 2.6 hours

Author: Giulio Ercolani
AstroPhotography of the day by SPONLI 6 Aug 2014

The Whirlpool Galaxy (also known as Messier 51a, M51a, or NGC 5194) is an interacting grand-design spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici. Recently it was estimated to be 23 ± 4 million light-years from the Milky Way Galaxy, but different methods yield distances between 15 and 35 million ly. Messier 51 is one of the best known galaxies in the sky. The galaxy and its companion (NGC 5195) are easily observed by amateur astronomers, and the two galaxies may even be seen with binoculars. The Whirlpool Galaxy is also a popular target for professional astronomers, who study it to further understand galaxy structure (particularly structure associated with the spiral arms) and galaxy interactions.

Imaging telescopes or lenses: Astro-Tech AT8IN f/4 8″ Imaging Newtonian
Imaging cameras: Orion Starshoot Mono III
Mounts: Celestron CGEM
Guiding telescopes or lenses: Orion ST 80
Guiding cameras: Starlight Xpress Lodestar
Software: PixInsight, photoshop, Maxim DL
Filters: Xagyl Comm 1.25″ Luminance
Accessories: Shoestring Astronomy FCUSB, Xagyl Comm 1.25″ Ultra-Thin Filter Wheel, Astro-Tech Coma Corrector
Dates: April 22, 2012
Frames:
Xagyl Comm 1.25″ G: 30×180″ bin 1×1
Xagyl Comm 1.25″ Red: 30×180″ bin 1×1
Xagyl Comm 1.25″ B: 30×180″ bin 1×1
Xagyl Comm 1.25″ Luminance: 22×300″ bin 1×1

Autor: Chris Madson

AstroPhotography of the day by SPONLI

11 February 2014

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