M 51 + Giacomo Pro + L-Pro

M 51

Credit: Giacomo Pro (Italy)

Filters: Optolong L-Pro filter

 

 

M 51 is an astronomical object in Messier's catalogue that comprises two distinct galaxies in the boreal constellation Hounds. The larger and more famous
Whirlpool Galaxy (also known as NGC 5194 and sometimes M51A) is a classical spiral galaxy. It was discovered by Charles Messier on 13 October 1773. The smaller companion galaxy known as NGC 5195 (or also M51B), is partially covered by a dust arm of the spiral Vortex (with which it interacts) and was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1781.
The Vortex Galaxy is one of the brightest and most interesting galaxies in the sky: it is 15 to 37 million light years away from Earth and 50,000 to 100,000 light years wide. It is also the dominant member of a small group of galaxies called the M51 group. Much of its intense luminosity is due to the presence of young star clusters in its arms. This galaxy was the first whose spiral structure was observed, by William Parsons in 1845; astronomers speculate that the spiral shape is mainly due to gravitational interactions with the smaller galaxy. The spiral drawn by the arms of the galaxy is a logarithmic spiral.
The Whirlpool Galaxy is joined to NGC 5195 through a common envelope of gas. The interaction between the two galaxies has resulted in increased star formation in NGC 5195. The core of the Whirlpool Galaxy is also brighter than might be expected, which has led some scholars to classify it as an active Seyfert galaxy.

 

 

 

Light 550 x 60" filter: Optolong Astronomy Filter L-Pro
Camera: ZWO Astronomy Cameras 224 mc
Telescope: GSO 200/800 f/4 + coma corrector 1X
Guide camera: Asi 120 mini
Guide scope: 50-250mm
Mount: Skywatcher Eq 6-r Pro Acquisition: ZWO ASIAIR Plus
Software: DSS - Pixinsight - Photoshop
Shots: 23-24/03/2023 Manduria (TA)
Italy
Author: PRO' GIACOMO

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