| The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) and it's companion (M51A) are a beautiful example of interacting galaxies. In fact, the spiral structure of M51 is the direct result of their gravitational encounter. The Whirlpool galaxy is a distance of 23 million LY from our solar system and approximately 1/2 the size of our Milky Way Galaxy. It is the first galaxy in which spiral structure was identified. Located in the constellation Canes Venatici, it is the largest member of a small group of galaxies which includes M63, the Sunflower Galaxy. |
| Date: | June 9, 2007 |
| Optics: | WO ZS 105mm f/7 Apo Refractor - Baader IR Filter |
| Camera: | Canon Digital Rebel 300D / Modified (Hap Griffin) |
| Exposure: | 120 Minutes / 24x300s @ 800ASA |
| Guiding: | Manually guided on a 14" Meade LX200 |
| Location: | Skyhawk Observatory, West Bend, WI |
| Photo By: | Rick Kazmierski |
