The Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as Messier 51a, M51a, and 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. Its distance is estimated to be between 15 and 35 million light-years.
The galaxy and its companion, NGC 5195, are easily observed by amateur astronomers, and the two galaxies may be seen with binoculars. The Whirlpool Galaxy has been extensively observed by professional astronomers, who study it to understand galaxy structure (particularly structure associated with the spiral arms) and galaxy interactions.
| Object | M51/NGC 5194 Galaxy |
|---|---|
| Constellation: | Canes Venatici |
| Position: | RA 13h 29m 53s DEC +47° 12′ |
| Apparent Size: | 11 × 7 arcmin |
| Apparent Magnitude: | +8.40 (SB 12.9) |
| Distance (average) | 12 million ly |
| Photo Datas | |
| Date | 28.03.2019, 21:30 UTC |
| Location | Knottenried/Oberallgäu, 1002m ASL GPS: 47°36’13“ N, 10°11’24“ E |
| Sky darkness SQM-L | Zenit 21.28mag/sqrsec, Object 21.41 mag/sqrsec |
| Ground Temp./Air Pressure | +2.0°C / 1035mbar |
| Thermal sky temp./weather | > -51°C Zenit, very clear, temporarely windy |
| Seeing (Bortle) | 7/10 |
| Telescope | TS 14"RC 2845mm FR f/8.0 |
| Camera | Sony A7Ra mod @ T sensor= +5°C |
| Expose frames | ISO 3200, RAW 15x120s, 13 darks |
| Total expose |
30 min. |
| Filter | no |
| Mount | HPS 10Micron GM 3000 |
| Guiding Cam | no |
| Software | DSS 3.3.4, Photoshop CC |
| Remarks |
C 2019 Peter Cerveny