M51 - Galaxy in Canes Venatici

Image Details

• LRGB = 120:120:120:120 minutes
• Takahashi FSQ-106ED
• SBIG ST-2000XM w/CFW8A
• Tru-Balance LRGB Filters
• CCDStack V2, Seti Astro Suite Pro, Photoshop CC
• 03/22/2012, 03/23/2012, & 03/24/2012
• Mead, Colorado

M51, the "Whirlpool" galaxy glows at magnitude 8 in the constellation of Canes Venatici. M51 gets its name from the two pronounced spiral arms seen in the galaxy. The spiral structure is believed to be a result of a close interaction with its companion galaxy NGC5195.

Other designations for M51 include NGC5194.