Being only 30 million light years away and 60’000 light years across, M51, also known as the Whirlpool Galaxy, is one of the brightest galaxies in the sky. This image also depicts the tragic fate of NGC 5195, a smaller galaxy (top right) that collided with M51, resulting in the destruction of its original shape. The gravitational interactions between the two galaxies may also be the cause of the elongated arms of M51.
Equipment
- TS Photon 6″ f/4
- QHY163M
- Baader narrowband filters
- Antlia LRGB filters
- Sky-Watcher HEQ5 Pro
Acquisition (Total : 4h)
- Location : Backyard, bortle 5
- L : 2 hours
- RGB : 40 min each
Taken in April 2021, processed in July 2022