M 51 - Whirlpool Galaxy

Apr 2025
M  51
author image @sharon Rhauderfehn, Deutschland

6

The Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as Messier 51a or NGC 5194, is an interacting grand-design spiral galaxy with a Seyfert 2 active galactic nucleus. It lies in the constellation Canes Venatici, and was the first galaxy to be classified as a spiral galaxy. [Wikipedia]

Lights

Filter UHC LightPollution
Lights 84
Single Exposure 180 sec
Total Exposure 4 hr 12 min
Gain 101
Offset 200
Temp (°C) -10.0 °C

Equipment

Camera Omegon VeTec571c
Telescope Omegon Ritchey-Chretien Pro RC203/1624
Reducer Skywatcher Flatenner 0.9x Evolux-82ED
Guide Camera ZWO ASI174MM Mini
Guider Askar Off-Axis-Guider
Mount ZWO AM5N
Tripod ZWO Carbon Fiber Tripod TC40
Filter Wheel Svbony SV226
Eaf Gemini Automatic Star Focuser Pro
Dew Heater Svbony SV172
Flat Panel WELZK A3 Light Pad

Nights

Capture Dates Moon Illumination
29 April 2025 Waxing Crescent (2.47%)

Software