Whirlpool Galaxy M51 in Canes Venacti

This is an Sc type spiral located about 35 million light years away. The diameter of M51 is about 100,000 light years. The spiral arms of this galaxy can be very clearly seen.

Note, the galaxy to the right of M51 is NGC5195 (5.9' x 4.6' and magnitude 12.9) in upper right corner. This is a satellite galaxy of M51 and is likely an elliptical galaxy. Also, if you put the mouse over this image, you will see more of the area around M51. If you hold the mouse over this image, you will see a larger view of the area around M51 taken on May 5, 2005. In this smaller image, you can also see a couple of smaller galaxies above and to the right of M51.

Images taken with TEC-140 Telescope mounted on Losmandy G11 mount. Camera used was a Canon EOS20D used at prime focus.

Eleven 3 minute exposures dark and flat compensated, aligned and stacked, background removed and Digitaly Developed in ImagesPlus 2.50.